RSPCA rescue pets can still find new homes in lockdown

The RSPCA will continue to rehome rescue animals on a delivery basis during the ongoing lockdowns in both England and Wales.

Pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and other small furry animals will remain available for adoption as RSPCA centres - now closed to the public - switch to a virtual rehoming and delivery process.

The animal welfare charity has 14 national animal centres across England and Wales - while many of its independent branches also have rehoming facilities switching to a remote process during the latest lockdown restrictions.

Prospective adopters can speak to RSPCA staff and meet animals via video conferencing and photo sharing - with pets then delivered by an RSPCA staff member once the level of commitment has been discussed, rehoming agreed, and a suitable pet found. However, the RSPCA continues to urge people to do their research and ensure they understand the long-term commitment of pet adoption; given "lockdown life is not forever".

Animals in the care of the animal welfare charity are often escaping cruelty or neglect - but can continue to find a second chance of forever home happiness during the current lockdown, with the charity utilising a Covid-secure, remote rehoming process.

England went back into a full national lockdown on January 5, while Wales has been under tier 4 national restrictions since December 20. However, abandoned, neglected and mistreated animals continue to come into the care of the RSPCA - so the charity say they are "delighted" to still be able to find homes for pets in a safe, Covid-compliant manner.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "As the battle against Covid-19 continues, our centres will once again be closed to the public as we all do our bit to stop the spread of this awful disease.

“However, we are delighted that we will continue to be able to find new homes for animals via a safe and Covid-secure remote process.

“Prospective adopters can meet our knowledgeable and friendly centre staff via video call, and discuss whether adding a rescue pet to their household could be the right long-term decision. We know lockdown life is not forever, so it's so important people consider whether they are able to meet the needs of pets for the long term.

“There’s loads to think about - and we’d always urge people to do their research and understand the commitment they’re taking on. But if a new pet is right for both you and the animal - a rescue companion is an amazing, rewarding choice; and we'd urge anyone interested to check out our Find a Pet website to begin the rehoming journey.”

Little-and-large best friends Bridget and Princess are two canine companions at the RSPCA Solent Branch’s Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter, in Hampshire, hoping to find their forever home happiness. Bridget is a tall bull breed cross weighing in at 28kg (approx 4st 6lbs), while her best friend Princess troubles the scales far less - at only 12kg (approx 1st 12lb). However, despite their significant difference in size, they are very close and are looking for a home ideally together. The three-year-old dogs would like a new home without any other pets but could live with older, teenage children. They need plenty of attention and training, but would make wonderful companions and have lots of love to give.

Other pets looking for another chance of forever home happiness include young beagle crossbreed Bella, who is currently based at the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre in Woking. Staff at the centre have had to work very hard with Bella - who was initially very scared, and under-socialised; having already lived in four separate homes by the time she was seven months of age. Bella therefore needs an owner who will patiently build up her trust - and provide plenty of time both to support her impressive agility, and provide her with mental stimulation. Her difficult start to life means RSPCA staff are looking for a very specific home for the one-year-old, and more information is available on the RSPCA's Find a Pet website.

Meanwhile, young cat Soot is a shy black and white cat - who will soon befriend anyone offering him treats! Soot - based at the Newport Animal Centre - came into the RSPCA's care with a number of other cats after his previous owner was unable to meet his needs; so will be hoping lockdown leads to a second chance of forever home happiness. She is one of more than 700 cats in the care of the RSPCA, and it is hoped Soot can kick off the new year with a fresh start in a new home.

Since lockdown started, on March 23, to December 31 the RSPCA’s Find a Pet section of the website had 39,835,657 views compared to 23,681,542 in the same period the previous year. This is a rise of 68 percent. The RSPCA fostering page had 470,933 visits in this period of 2020 - compared to 136,705 during the same period in 2019 - which is a staggering 244 percent increase.

RSPCA officers have remained on the frontline throughout the pandemic - responding to animal welfare emergencies and coming to the aid of rescue animals like these. Meanwhile, RSPCA animal centres have been adjusting to differing Covid-19 restrictions while finding new homes for animals in the charity's care. 

Since the first lockdown was announced on March 23 2020, up to January 3 of this year, the charity's dedicated emergency line received 827,596 calls - highlighting that animal welfare problems have not stopped for coronavirus. Prior to Christmas, on 22 December, some 3,308 animals were in the RSPCA's care - including 1,239 at national animal centres.

Dermot Murphy - head of the RSPCA's rescue teams - added: “Our officers, rescue teams, animal centres and frontline staff have shown remarkable resilience during this most testing time.

“We are approaching 900,000 calls since the start of the pandemic - which is a stark reminder that animal cruelty did not stop for coronavirus.

“There’s also thousands of animals in our care - but our teams continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome in new ways to help as many animals as possible.

“We cannot do this without the help of our amazing supporters - and anyone wishing to donate to the RSPCA can do so online, while there’s also an abundance of advice on looking after pets during the pandemic on our website which we’re urging people to share.”