The lockdown has highlighted our need for social interaction, and for company. This, however, can come with a pitfall. It may seem tempting to buy a companion animal in the current situation but remember pets are not just for lockdown and animals are not good gifts - they are a lifelong responsibility.

Further to this, we do not want to inadvertently drive the unscrupulous puppy trade and mass adoption into unsuitable homes. It’s also important to ensure the welfare of pets already in homes. Pet owners and caretakers need to account for potential lockdowns and have enough provisions that ensure pet health and welfare, such as having in place enough medicine, food and other necessities for their pets.

By inspiring love and care for animals through Responsible Pet Ownership, we hope to ultimately reduce stray animal suffering. We also highlight the importance of sterilisation to manage and sustain a humane stray animal population.