More than 550 animals rehomed in Lancashire following surge in pet ownership

October for the RSPCA has been re-branded 'Adoptober', and will see the charity urging people to 'adopt don’t shop', while shining a light on the rescue animals looking for forever homes in RSPCA care.

The last year has seen a huge surge in pet ownership and the RSPCA rehomed 28,740 animals nationally in 2020, with 589 of those rehomed in Lancashire.

Head of the companion animals team at the RSPCA, Dr Sam Gaines, said: "This Adoptober we’re urging anyone thinking of getting a pet to consider adopting rather than buying an animal.

"Anyone who is thinking of getting a pet should do their research and check they have the time, money and lifestyle to care for an animal for its whole life.”

And with the number of pets in the UK rising it’s now more important than ever for people to make sure they understand how their pets are feeling so that as a nation of animal lovers we keep our pets happy and healthy.

Dr Gaines added: "There has been a boom in pet ownership during the pandemic and while it’s great to see so many pets becoming a real source of comfort during the last year, it’s important that we remember that our mental health can impact on that of our pets and we need to make sure we consider their mental health and know how they are feeling.

“From changes in their behaviour to their body language, our pets can give us insight into their mental wellbeing and it’s important that as pet owners we know how to spot these signs and act on them.

For more information on how to care for your pet visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets

For more information about Adoptober, visit the www.rspca.org.uk/Adoptober

To see the animals for rehoming visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the RSPCA website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.