Dog and cat abandonment soars in UK as owners struggle with cost of living

Seven male terrier-cross pups were left outside the RSPCA Doncaster and Rotherham district branch when Storm Claudia hit. Photograph: RSPCA

There is an “epidemic” of dogs, cats and other pets being abandoned as owners struggle to cope with the cost of living crisis, the UK’s largest animal welfare charity has said.

The RSPCA said abandonments in England and Wales had risen by almost 25% in 2025 compared with last year, reaching their highest rate for at least five years.