A recent survey has revealed a shocking trend that returning to office-based work resulted in more than one million dogs being rehomed in the past year.
The study, conducted by Novuna Business Cash Flow, encompassed 2,000 UK adults and pointed to a multitude of factors, including the return to traditional office settings and the increased cost of living, as key contributors to this spike in rehoming rates.
The shift back to office work has taken an unexpected toll on the nation’s dogs, with around 22 perecent of surveyed dog owners attributing their decision to rehome their pets to the reduced opportunities to work from home.
The change in work dynamics has left many owners grappling with the challenge of providing adequate care for their dogs during work hours, prompting difficult decisions.
Financial pressures weigh heavily on pet owners, as a quarter of respondents identified the increased cost of living as the primary factor influencing their decision to rehome their dogs.
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Reports indicate that dog owners spend up to £1,500 annually on day care alone, highlighting the growing financial burden of pet ownership.
The survey also uncovered a gender disparity in rehoming rates, with 13 percent of men rehoming their dogs in the past year compared to just seven percent of women.
This suggests the pressures leading to rehoming may be experienced differently across demographics.
Despite these challenges, only 17 percent of UK workplaces currently allow pets. This raises questions about whether businesses should adapt to the changing financial landscape and the needs of their employees by considering pet-friendly policies or offering more flexible remote work options.
John Atkinson, Head of Commercial Business at Novuna Business Cash Flow, said: “The data we’ve collected is a stark indicator of the stress that pet owners are facing in today’s economic climate.
“Are businesses doing enough to help their employees by offering flexible work arrangements, pet-friendly policies, even allowing pets in the workplace? This could be key to keeping families and their pets together.”
Amidst the challenges, there is a positive trend in the UK’s canine welfare landscape. The Dogs Trust has reported a significant increase in dog adoptions, signaling a growing preference for adoption over purchasing puppies.
Figures show an 11 percent increase in dog adoptions this year, from 7,775 in 2021 to 9,067 in 2022, with projections estimating a further 11.06% increase in 2023, reaching around 10,070 dog adoptions.
