The Covid-19 pandemic is replacing Christmas as a time when people buy a new pet - but many owners are now unable to properly care for the latest members of their families.
Many people have taken on a new pet in the last three months, according to animal welfare charity the Irish Blue Cross.
But, like many who get a puppy for Christmas, a number of new pet owners are realising they have bit off more than they can chew.
Because of this, the Irish Blue Cross expects to become much busier in the coming weeks, as new owners are unable to cope with their young pets.
Una O’Toole, head of veterinary services at the Irish Blue Cross, said: “Our receptionists have noticed a much greater level of phone calls from concerned pet owners.
“A large number of calls are from owners who have taken on a new pet during the pandemic.
Before the pandemic, the Irish Blue Cross received a telephone call every six minutes, on average.
Now during Covid, they receive a call every three minutes, or 20 calls per hour. This amounts to 220 calls per day from concerned owners.
This is in addition to the voicemails and messages the charity receives via social media.
As the Irish Blue Cross is primarily a veterinary charity, it does not handle pets who are being surrendered, although people do bring their pets in to be put down.
“It seems that the pandemic is fast replacing Christmas as the ideal time to take on a new pet.”
Ms O’Toole said pets have a very positive impact on human health and wellbeing.
But she added: “It is also important to remember that a pet is for life and that anyone considering taking on a new pet also takes into account the financial implications involved in owning a pet.”
The Irish Blue Cross Inchicore Clinic has continued to provide emergency services during the Covid restrictions.
Now, as the charity begins to roll out its mobile clinic service again, it needs support more than ever, to meet a big surge in demand for its charitable veterinary work.
With this in mind, it is appealing to the public to get involved in their #BarkForBlueCross campaign.
The charity’s annual flagship fundraising Bark in the Park events have had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.
Now they are asking people to get involved by holding mini-events at home with their four-legged friends to enjoy – whether it’s a walk, wag, or bark, or trick – and then to share via social media and donate to The Irish Blue Cross.
