Increase in animals in need as our pets hit hard times

A record number of needy animals were seen last year by The Blue Cross. Figures show that demand for the charity's rehoming and veterinary services soared in 2008, with a strong link to pet owners' finances.

In 2008 Blue Cross animal adoption centres around the country took in more animals who were made homeless because their owners were struggling financially, an increase of more than double the previous year. Many more owners gave up a treasured pet for related reasons such as having lost their job or because they were forced to move house.

Meanwhile, applications for The Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund – which helps meet the cost of essential treatment for pets whose owners could not otherwise afford it – have more than doubled in the last year. Over £340,000 was given to help injured or sick pets, whose owners are on benefits or pensions, receive urgent treatment by their own vet. Blue Cross vets and nurses carried out a further 65,000 consultations at the charity's animal hospitals and veterinary clinics.

The charity is braced to help even more animals in 2009. Kim Hamilton, Blue Cross chief executive said: "These figures suggest that sadly our pets are starting to hit hard times, along with much of the rest of the country. Pets and their owners will need our support more than ever this year and we will be pulling out all the stops to help them."

Key Blue Cross achievements during 2008 are:

• More than 5,500 unwanted and homeless pets and horses taken in
• Over 5,300 animals found permanent, loving new homes
• Carried out over 65,000 consultations at its animal hospitals and vet clinics
• Provided grants to help a further 3,000 pets receive vital treatment from their own vet