RSPCA to begin rehoming again
There have been more than a million visits to the RSPCA's rehoming pages in recent weeks.
The RSPCA has announced that it is to begin rehoming in England again following an influx of enquiries from people interested in fostering or adopting the animals in its care.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, front-line teams have continued to rescue animals but have been unable to source them new homes. Currently, there are some 4,800 animals in charity's care.
Now, in light of new Defra-approved guidelines - developed by the Canine & Feline Sector Group - animal charities can begin rehoming again. Using a safe, online process, the RSPCA hopes to find new 'forever' homes for many of the animals in its care.
The charity says that in recent weeks there have been more than a million visits to its online rehoming pages - a rise of almost 30 per cent - and a staggering 600 per cent increase in interest in fostering, with more than 115,000 visits to its fostering page.
“We've continued to rescue and take in animals in need through this crisis and our front-line staff in our animal centres have done a sterling job in really tough circumstances, giving them the care and love that they need,” said RSPCA chief executive, Chris Sherwood.
“But nothing can replace the care that a pet receives in a loving home so we are thrilled that we are going to be able to start finding them the families they desperately need right across England.”
He continued: "Safety of the public, our staff and, of course, the animals is our highest priority and we have developed guidelines to ensure that we can rehome, foster and provide ongoing support for adopters and fosterers in a safe way.
“This means our animal centres will remain closed to the public and we have developed a number of measures to make sure we can maintain social distancing while finding animals new homes.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
