Rise in break-up dogs and cats
Image: Buster from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home saw a 31 per cent increase in abandoned pets due to family break-ups last year.
The dramatic increase has led the charity to appeal for more foster homes for those dogs and cats that find kennel life particularly stressful, after coming from a family home environment.
Owners who divorce and separate can often be left with no choice but to rehome their pet, particularly if they have to move into rented accommodation that does not allow animals or their work commitments mean the pet will be left alone too long.
However, with 31 per cent more pets looking for homes, the charity is calling on the support of fosterers.
While Battersea takes in around 9,000 dogs and cats each year, many of its residents are temporarily rehomed. They will then stay at that home until a permanent owner comes along.
"It's sad when dogs and cats find themselves here through no fault of their own," said Carly Whyborn, volunteer and foster manager at Battersea.
"It's a massive change for them to come to this environment, and although our staff and volunteers do as much as they can to make the animals stay as comfortable as possible, sometimes it can be too overwhelming for them."
Ms Whyborn added that foster homes can provide a sanctuary to their animals, but the charity needs more of them.
Battersea asks for fosterers who ideally have some experience of caring for an animal, do not have very young children or other pets at home, and live within a two-hour drive of one of its centres in London, Kent or Berkshire.
The fosterers also need to be home most of the day to give the dog or cat the care it needs.
Click here to find out more about fostering for Battersea, or email the charity.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
