Pet food bank network expands to help more owners
“No-one should have to give up their pet because they are unable to afford the items they need” – Carrie Giannelli.
The Scottish SPCA’s network of Pet Aid food banks now numbers 42, with a food bank in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire becoming the most recent to join.
The Pet Aid initiative was launched in August 2022, initially working with 13 food banks to provide dog and cat food to owners struggling to make ends meet, as well as bedding, toys, walking aids, grooming tools, and items such as bowls and poo bags.
But with calls to rehoming charities on the rise as the cost-of-living crisis squeezes household budgets, more and more food banks have joined the scheme. By helping owners to feed their pets, it is hoped that fewer people will feel forced to give up their pet.
Other charities are also working to distribute pet food across the UK. In April this year, the Pet Food Partnership, an alliance of RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Cats Protection and Battersea, received more than 300,000 meals from UK Pet Food to distribute to owners seeking help from food banks.
The cost of looking after a pet has risen dramatically during the cost-of-living crisis. As of April 2023, the rate of inflation for pet care was 15.4 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics. This is significantly above the general rate of inflation for the UK, which stood at 8.7 per cent.
Pet Aid co-ordinator Carrie Giannelli said: “Pet Aid provides support to those who need it most, to keep people with their beloved pets at this very challenging time.
“Last year, calls to our animal helpline from people looking to sign over their pets trebled.
“Many people who call our helpline don’t want to give up their animal but feel they have no choice. Through Pet Aid, we can offer these people vital support and keep people and their pets together.
“No-one should have to give up their pet because they are unable to afford the items they need.”
Isobel Graham, Hamilton District Foodbank manager, added: “We are delighted to receive these much needed donations of pet food from Pet Aid.”
“This support helps people in our community feed their pets when they themselves are struggling to put food on their table.”
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.
