Kind-hearted Scots made November a bumper month for a Scottish animal welfare charity, with a marked year-on-year jump in the number of adoptions.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) witnessed a 20% increase in animals finding new homes last month when compared to November 2024.
A total of 486 applications to rehome a pet were received, 82 requests up on the previous year.
The SSPCA previously rescued a record number of dogs in October, with 216 saved within 10 days in a series of complex rescues, in what they believe could be the biggest intake in their 185-year history.
Animal adoption
The charity is now hoping they can find several families for more of the animals in their care before Christmas. One example is Doug, who arrived at the Lanarkshire centre in June of last year due to a change in his owner’s circumstances.
He faced a tough start and found life in the kennels very stressful, but under the watchful eye of the SSPCA, he got the care and support he needed to thrive.
He went on to find a new home with owners who are looking forward to spending their first Christmas with him.
The SSPCA currently has 431 dogs, 280 cats and 38 rabbits in centres across Scotland, all looking for their forever home.
© Scottish SPCASome of the longest residents include Arizona, a lurcher who has been in the Dunbartonshire centre since March. She is a fun-loving foodie who is top of her class in training school and loves her toys.
Rabbits Juniper and Rowan, who are a year old, have been in the Lanarkshire centre since March. Both ladies love their food and cuddling together.
© Scottish SPCAGrimble the ferret is mostly blind and has little hearing, and is also in the market for a new home alongside Swim Shady the goldfish.
Not just for Christmas
Head of Fostering, Rehoming and Community Engagement Jennie Macdonald said: “While we actively discourage giving pets as gifts, the reality is that there are still hundreds of animals in our care looking for a loving home.
“The animals don’t know Christmas is a special day. Our team works hard 365 days of the year to ensure the animals in our centres are well taken care of and have everything they need.
“At any time of the year, we ask members of the public to consider the financial and emotional commitment of a pet and to do your research to find out the needs of that animal.
“We want all the animals in our care to find the best home possible. We want to ensure that it’s forever and not just for the festive period.”
The charity has reminded potential adopters that it might take longer than usual to get in touch due to the holiday period.
See the Scottish SPCA’s weekly Pet of the Week available for adoption on our Facebook page – facebook.com/SundayPostUK
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