Edinburgh Pet Owners Struggling to Feed Their Cats and Dogs, Rescuers Warn
The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard in Edinburgh, with pet owners struggling to afford to feed their beloved cats and dogs. As a result, many are being forced to give up their furry companions, adding to the already overwhelming number of pets in need of homes. The situation is so dire that even the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, a vital rescue center in the area, is facing a shortage of donations of pet food.
In a recent visit to the rescue center, Jamie Simpson, Director of people and services, shed light on the issue of dwindling donations. The center, which costs £3,000,000 to run each year, distributed 670,000 food packs in 2023 and had already given out 250,000 packs by April 2024. Jamie expressed concern that the demand for pet food is surpassing their supply, putting them at risk of having to turn away pet owners in need.
The pet food bank at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home was established in 2019, but the demand has skyrocketed in the past year, especially due to the impact of the pandemic. The center now works with over 87 food banks in the southeast of Scotland, providing food for between 4,000 and 5,000 pets each month. However, with donations dwindling, they are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand.
To help support local pet owners in need, the center collaborates with various charities and donation stations across Edinburgh. Every donation goes towards keeping pets in loving homes and preventing the center from reaching full capacity. With adoptions now being conducted online, the center is close to reaching its maximum capacity for both cats and dogs.
Despite the appearance of relatively full food stores, the supplies only last for a few weeks before they are depleted. The center is urging the community to donate in any way they can to help support pet owners in need and ensure that no pet goes hungry. By coming together and supporting initiatives like the pet food bank, we can make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners in Edinburgh.