Battersea Rehoming Figures Soar As Brits Go In Self-Isolation

The process of helping a new dog settle in your household can be difficult if you’re out working most of the day, which makes it hard for many to adopt a dog. However, a huge rise in home-working as well as self-isolation seem to have given many a unique chance to finally adopt, and take all the time needed to enjoy their new dog’s company while helping them settle nicely in their new home.

Between Monday 16 and Sunday 22 March, before the lockdown but with the public already advised to self-isolate and work from home whenever possible, more than 150 Battersea dogs and cats found loving new homes as British public opened their doors to rescue pets amid an unprecedented health crisis.

This is about double the figures for the same week in 2019: 86 dogs and 69 cats were adopted from Battersea, compared to 42 dogs and 29 cats last year. One of the lucky ones is Tulip, a four-year-old mongrel who had been at Battersea for 110 days.

“Tulip came in as a stray and had some anxieties that the team worked on with her, and her story came to a happy ending when she finally got the call up that there was a suitable home for her,” a statement reads.

Battersea’s Head of Operations, Rob Young, said, “We want to thank all these new owners for thinking of rescue pets at such a challenging time.

“All three of our Battersea centres are now closed to the public, but many of our animals are now in loving homes or out on temporary foster with our staff and volunteers. Battersea are still caring for around 100 animals at our three centres and working hard to ensure each and every dog and cat continues to get the treatment, care, love, play and interaction they need.”

ADOPTING A DOG OR CAT IS A BIG COMMITMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES

Rob adds, “Those wishing to rehome a dog or cat are welcome to fill out a rehoming application on our website and, as soon as we’re able, we’ll be reopening and working to continue finding new homes for our wonderful animals.”

Battersea adds, “Adopting a dog or cat is a big commitment, regardless of the circumstances. Battersea offers ongoing advice and support to everyone who rehomes a pet from us.

“During these challenging times, we have established a dedicated dog and cat behaviour advice line on 020 3887 8347 (open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm).”

Some tips on how to keep your dog happy while you’re in self-isolation can be found here.

Images by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home