And How Humans Can Keep Their Paws on the Ground
I had my nose to the data again, and the scent is worrying. The RSPCA reports a ~25 % increase in dog and cat abandonment in England & Wales compared to last year (~24,270 incidents by October).
Rescue centres across the UK are filling faster than they can empty, and too many dogs are finding themselves in a kennel through no fault of their own. I wanted to understand what’s really going on and, more importantly, how humans can get ahead of the problem.
So here’s the situation, straight from my snout.
What’s Behind the Rise in Surrenders?
1. Money Worries Are Biting
The cost of living hasn’t eased, and when bills go up, dog budgets are often the first to creak. Food, vet care, grooming, and insurance add up quicker than a Labrador spotting dropped toast.
My sniff: Most people aren’t “giving up” their dogs. They’re drowning, and no one’s thrown them a life ring.
2. Pandemic Dogs Hitting Their “Teenage Phase”
A lot of pups adopted during lockdown are now fully grown and discovering the joys of barking at thin air, chewing skirting boards and inventing new ways to embarrass their owners. Add humans going back to the office, and it’s a recipe for stress on both ends of the lead.
My sniff: These issues are normal, but without support, they feel huge.
3. Behaviour Trouble Without Guidance
Reactivity, pulling, separation anxiety, zoomies at 2am, every dog has their quirks. But with the wrong advice (or none at all), those quirks can overwhelm a household. Dogs are just trying to figure out the world. Take a minute and see if you can help them rather than shouting at them. Cheese is nearly always worth trying!
My sniff: Behaviour is communication. Dogs aren’t being “naughty”; they’re asking for help.
4. Housing Headaches
Pet bans, rising rents, short-term lets. Too many humans are choosing between a roof and their dog. Landlords should let you have a pet now since the rule change.
My sniff: The UK desperately needs more pet-inclusive housing — the demand is obvious.
5. Choosing the Wrong Breed for the Wrong Life
Working breeds in tiny flats. High-energy dogs in low-energy homes. Instagram trends are causing chaos again. If you already have a dog, then you need to work with what you have, but if not, check out our dog breed chooser quiz, match your lifestyle with a dog.
My sniff: A tired dog is lovely. A frustrated dog is a handful — and it’s never their fault.
What Owners Can Do Before Things Get Crisis-Level
1. Talk to Your Vet Before Panic Sets In
Many practices now offer payment plans, preventive care packages and advice on keeping costs down.
Vet care early is cheaper than vet care late, trust me on that.
2. Get Behaviour Support From the Right People
Modern, reward-based trainers (APDT, ABTC) can transform a household.
A single good session can prevent months of stress. If you can’t afford it, try out our AI Dog Trainer, it is designed for younger dogs, but it’s Free and full of tips for you.
3. Use Community Resources — They Exist for a Reason
Pet-food banks, behaviour helplines, local welfare charities… there’s no shame in needing a bit of support.
Every dog benefits when an owner reaches out rather than giving up.
4. Rethink the Daily Rhythm
Dogs thrive on predictability. Even tiny tweaks help:
- Regular walks – Get up early or walk them later (just do it everyday it doesn’t have to be long 20-30mins)
- Sniff-friendly routes (You scroll on your phone and wait for them to have a good old sniff!)
- Simple enrichment (honestly, cardboard tubes filled with treats are magic)
- Quiet time, not constant stimulation (Crates are great for this)
A calmer dog is a cheaper, easier dog to care for.
5. Sort Insurance Sooner Rather Than Later
Even basic coverage, which you can get for less than £10 per month, depending on the breed, makes surprise vet bills less frightening.
If you want a comparison guide, I can fetch one.
6. If Rehoming Is Unavoidable — Do It Safely and Kindly
Reputable rescues provide behaviour assessments, veterinary care, and proper matching.
Online private sales leave dogs vulnerable and are never recommended. Remember how normal a person seems; a family can turn up, and your dog still ends up in a dog-fighting situation. Please only go to RSPCA, Dogs Trust or any other trusted rescue; you at least owe them that.