Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home see pet foodbank use increase by 130 per cent throughout pandemic

A local foodbank for pets has seen a huge increase in demand over the past year as owners have struggled to care for their animals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have helped more than 700 people with their pet foodbank throughout the pandemic

Since the beginning of 2019, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home which operates the foodbank service, named ‘Paws Pantry’, has seen a huge increase in demand with walk-ins for the service increasing by 130 per cent.

The home launched the foodbank in October 2019, in response to the poverty-related issues that it was seeing on a daily basis.

Animal surrender can occur when owners struggle to care for their pets due to social problems – like financial issues, illness, homelessness and domestic abuse, but the foodbank service aims to support them and keep animals in loving homes for as long as possible.

Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

The charity has also partnered with other organisations including Street Soccer Scotland, Cyrenians, Space and the Broomhouse Hub to distribute pet essentials such as food and bedding to owners facing financial difficulties.

The foodbank offers wet and dry food, jackets, collars, leads, bowls and bedding, and the home’s expert staff are also on hand to offer pet care advice as part of this service.

While there has not been an increase in dogs and cats being surrendered to the home, the charity are aware that national animal welfare charities with hotline numbers are receiving significantly more calls in relation to surrendering pets and are anticipating the numbers of surrendered pets to increase.

The number of surrendered animals to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has decreased since the same time last year.

Jamie Simpson, director of operations at the home said: “The pandemic has seen a huge increase in demand for our pet food bank. Wherever we can, we want to support pet owners to keep their pets with them in happy homes. We know first-hand just how much pet ownership can contribute to combatting loneliness and supporting positive mental health in people, and pets are happiest when they are with their dedicated owners.

“We are privileged to have been able to work with 32 local food banks to help over 700 struggling pet owners keep that special bond with their dogs and cats throughout the pandemic.”

Helene van der Ploeg, business manager at Space and the Broomhouse Hub, said: “As we went into lockdown we had many calls from people who were self-isolating, and had loss of income and problems accessing food to feed their pets.

“The home helped us to take the stress and worry away and ensure that their faithful friends could be fed. One lady was in tears when we delivered her parcel of pet food; she lives on her own and was shielding, and her dog is her lifeline. She was so frightened that she would lose her beloved friend because she couldn’t find a way to feed him.”

Chris Binnie, Street Soccer Scotland, said: “The pet foodbank has been a fantastic support to the Street Soccer Scotland players who have been caring for pets whilst also managing their own safety and well-being throughout Covid-19. The service has allowed a number of players to keep their pets in loving homes during a time of heightened uncertainty.”

For more information about Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s pet foodbank or how to donate, please visit the charity’s website.

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