Gloucestershire animal centre facing huge rise of animals in their care following the pandemic
Cheltenham Animal Shelter are urging people to think twice before getting one
An animal centre in Gloucestershire are seeing a huge rise in the number of animals in their care.
The Cheltenham Animal Shelter have seen a 34% increase on the total number of animals being cared for at the shelter compared to a typical day in January 2021.
They also report an increase of 60% more dogs in their care.
It's partly being blamed on the increase in people getting 'lockdown pets', namely puppies and cats.
3.2 million households have welcomed a new pet since the start of the pandemic
The shelter, however, say they've also seen a dramatic increase in the number of small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs too.
Operations manager at the shelter, Nicky Swanswick, is urging people to think twice before taking on an animal.
"It's brilliant to have an animal in your home especially cats, dogs and small because they provide such companionship", she says.
"But it is important to think about the rest of their lives as some dogs can live for up to 15 to 20 years.
"It's a big commitment. In that time you're likely to get married, have house moves and potentially change jobs too so it's so important to take all of that into consideration."
The shelter have been recognised for their work during the pandemic as part of the International Day of Charity.
They've remained open during the entire pandemic continuing to care for animals who are waiting for find a new home.
Quarter of pet owners admitted to doing little research when buying a puppy in lockdown
As restrictions are now easing though the team have noticed more and more animals are being brought to the because people can no longer take care of them.
Nicky continued: "Just under 19% of all our current dogs are younger than 2 years old. Their lives may have been affected by restrictions and lockdowns.
"Sadly there is likely to be those who do have to go back to work, or with the furlough scheme coming to a permanent end may find themselves facing redundancy so aren't financially stable to afford their pet.
"We are preparing ourselves to see a bigger increase to what we're already seeing."