Challenge Poverty Week: Pet Poverty
Across the week, the Poverty Alliance have been driving awareness of the ways in which poverty can impact our lives from housing to transport, adequate incomes and food. And it’s not just people whose lives are affected by poverty but the pets we love and care for too.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home helps people facing pet poverty through our Pet Food Banks and, more recently, by hosting Pet Food Drives to help meet increasing demand for support. Find out how to get involved and play your part here.
How you can access support from the pet foodbanks
Anyone in need can access our pet food banks. You can view a full list of our food banks here to find one local to you.
Additionally, you can access our food bank service directly at the Home by contacting our reception team on 0131 669 5331 and requesting a Claws (cats) or Paws (dog) pack and collecting this from us.
How you can help in the fight against pet poverty
This year, we have been hosting Pet Food Drives to help meet the high demand for pet food and resources at our food banks.
We’ve already received generous support and donation from businesses like Adobe and Clear Score, as well as community groups and individuals.
Find out how to host your own Pet Food Drive or donate to an upcoming event here!
Alternatively, we gratefully recieve donations of wet and dry dog and cat food, blankets, food-bowls, toys, treats and other items directly at the Home or via our donation stations. Additionally, you can order via our Amazon Wishlist and these are delivered directly to us.
As well as donations, we rely on the support of an amazing volunteer team. We really couldn’t do what we do without them. Their hard work and dedication mean that pets and people in need receive much needed support.
If you’re interested in volunteering with us, you can find information on volunteering roles here or by emailing Jodie at volunteering@edch.org.uk.
What is pet poverty?
Anyone, at anytime in their life, can experience pet poverty when financial difficulties make it harder to pay for pet necessities such as food, equipment and vet bills.
22% of pet owners say that the cost-of-living crisis has impacted how they care for their pets with 34% of owners making personal cost-saving decisions so that they can keep caring for their pets according to the 2023 PAW report.
Pet poverty can mean that people are faced with the impossible decision of having to surrender beloved pets as they can no longer financially meet their pet’s needs.
This is where we help.
How Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home pet foodbanks support people experiencing pet poverty
In 2019, we launched a series of foodbanks in and around Edinburgh to help and support pet-owners who are going through a tough time. We now support over 80 foodbanks with pet food and supplies, helping hundreds of animals each week.
One service user told us: ‘I was so worried about how I was going to feed my cat as I was so short of money. My cat is my only companion, I’m so grateful for this help’.
Our pet food banks are completely free to access and are there to support individuals with the necessities their pet needs, such as food, jackets, leads, collars and beds, until they find themselves in a better financial situation.
We don’t judge anyone who accesses our food banks and a referral isn’t needed. We understand that people in many different situations can find themselves facing financial difficulties. Our aim is to support loved pets to stay in loving homes.