Return to office contributes to more than one million dogs being rehomed
A recent survey of 2,000 UK adults has revealed a concerning trend among dog owners, with 10% having rehomed their dogs within the last year and another 11% having considered it. The survey, conducted by Novuna Business Cash Flow, shines a light on the impact of changing work environments and the increased cost of living on pet ownership.
22% of dogs being rehomed due to less opportunity to work from home this year
The shift back to traditional office settings has had unforeseen consequences for the nation's canine companions. Approximately 22% of owners who rehomed their dogs attribute their decision to the reduction in opportunities to work from home. This change in work dynamics has left many owners unable to provide adequate care for their pets during work hours, leading to tough decisions being made.
Financial pressures are at the forefront of these rehoming decisions. A quarter of those surveyed cited the increased cost of living as the pivotal factor. With reports indicating that dog owners can spend up to £1,500 annually on day care alone, as referenced by The Money Pages, the financial burden of pet ownership is becoming too heavy for some.
Men almost twice as likely to rehome their dogs than women
Interestingly, the survey found a gender disparity in rehoming rates. Out of all the dog owners surveyed, 13% of men have rehomed their dogs in the past year compared to just 7% of women. This suggests that the pressures leading to rehoming may be felt differently across demographics.
Only 17% of UK workplaces currently allow pets
Despite these challenges, only 17% of UK workplaces currently allow pets, potentially offering a solution for some. The question now arises: Should businesses adapt to the changing financial landscape and the needs of their employees by allowing pets in the workplace or offering more flexible remote work options?
John Atkinson, Head of Commercial Business at Novuna Business Cash Flow, says, "The data we've collected is a stark indicator of the stress that pet owners are facing in today's economic climate. Are businesses doing enough to help their employees by offering flexible work arrangements, pet-friendly policies, even allowing pets in the workplace. This could be key to keeping families and their pets together."
Positive shift in dog adoption amidst rising rehoming rates
Despite the challenges outlined, there is a silver lining in the UK's canine welfare landscape. The Dogs Trust has reported encouraging data indicating a significant increase in dog adoptions, paralleling the rise in rehoming rates.
Adoption numbers on the rise, according to The Dogs Trust
- +11% increase in dogs being adopted this year, a statistic that highlights the public's growing preference for adoption over purchasing puppies.
- A comparison of figures reveals a hopeful trend: from 7,775 dogs rehomed in 2021 to 9,067 in 2022 - a 16.62% increase.
- The trend is expected to continue, with projections for 2023 estimating around 10,070 dog adoptions, an 11.06% increase from 2022.
This data presents an optimistic counter-narrative, showcasing the public's increasing willingness to offer homes to dogs in need, thereby maintaining a balance in dog welfare amidst challenging times.
