By Joshua Robinson – 

Two dogs, Mason and Patch, are being cared for by the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch, and have sadly been waiting for their forever homes for too long while being overlooked by potential adopters.

Their rehoming appeal comes as the RSPCA reveals it is facing a rehoming crisis. New figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA across England and Wales than were adopted.

Rehoming centres are near or full capacity, with pets either waiting to be adopted or being assessed for adoption. Thus, countless dogs, cats, and other animals are still in emergency boarding waiting for a place at a rehoming centre.

In response, the charity – which is marking its 200th year – is launching its annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign; urging animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre or RSPCA branch rather than buying from a breeder to help ease the rehoming crisis.

Patch:

Four-year-old Patch, who has been left completely bald due to a severe skin allergy, is struggling to find a new home. But staff say he is a wonderful dog; sweet and kind, with so much love to give.

Patch was taken in by the RSPCA due to concerns about his condition when his previous owners couldn’t afford the cost of treatment to manage his allergies. He arrived at RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch sore, itchy, and uncomfortable.

Moreover, Patch has a severe allergy to dust mites and birch pollen, and his skin gets incredibly itchy and sore. Thankfully he has been responding well to his medication and his fur is even starting to grow back.

Patch loves the company of people so he’d like someone who is based at home and has lots of time to spend with him. He’s very playful and loves his toys; he often takes them out and carries them around on walks with him like a comforter.

He loves to snorkel for treats in the paddling pool and staff say he is one of the sweetest dogs they’ve ever had; he’s always getting up to playful antics and making them giggle.

Patch’s new owners will need to be aware of the added costs of managing his allergies. His care plan can change from season to season and will depend on how his condition improves with time – but the team will help any potential adopters with this.

Mason:

Mason has been waiting for a home for more than 230 days and staff and volunteers at RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield Bradford & District Branch are doing everything they can to find him the perfect home.

Animal Centre Manager Claire Kendall said: “Mason is such a handsome man – but he has been waiting for far too long for his forever home. He is so wonderful – we just can’t understand why he hasn’t been snapped up!”

“He enjoys little walks and will even take his harness to his fosterer when he is ready to go out on an adventure. He is a super smart boy and he loves to play with toys and squeaky tennis balls.”

“Mason is looking for a home with somebody who is around most of the day, however he can be left for a couple of hours whilst he has a nap. He is fully house trained, but would like an enclosed garden so he can have a space to potter about in.”

“Mason is a typical staffie and loves everyone he meets, he gives the best cuddles and has the best staffie smile! We just hope his time will finally come this Adoptober!”

“Mason is looking for a home where he will be the only pet but could live with children as he just loves people. He can be a little unsure in a car setting but this is something his fosterer has been working on and he is more relaxed now.”

Claire Kendall added: “Any prospective adopters who’d like more information about this wonderful boy are urged to get in touch.”

“As Mason is older he can be adopted on the Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme – which provides support and assistance to members of the public over 18 years of age wishing to rehome an elderly animal.”

If anyone would like to offer him a home, please send your completed application form to enquiries@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk

The Rehoming Crisis:

Last year, the RSPCA’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets, which was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said: “Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and across the board, we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming.”

“We are issuing a rallying cry to anyone considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders.”

“Our rehoming centres have reached crisis point and are full-to-bursting, creating a bottle-neck where we’re having to care for rescued animals at emergency boarding kennels and catteries.”

“Last year, across England and Wales, the RSPCA took in over 40,000 dogs, cats and other animals, but only around seven out of 10 of those – 28,208 – were rehomed. This increasing discrepancy between animal intake and rehoming numbers is a worrying trend, and means so many animals are still waiting for a home.”

Karen added: “We are also still seeing the effect of the pandemic on dogs and an increase in those coming into care with complex behaviour, which is contributing to the pressure for spaces at rehoming centres. This is compounded by the cost of living crisis with fees associated with their pet care beyond the means of some people at the moment.”

“The cost of living seems to be a driving factor across the board. Our recent Animal Kindness Index found that 79% of pet-owners in the Yorkshire and Humber region felt that the cost of looking after their pet had become slightly or much more expensive, with owners finding the costs of pet food and vet bills higher.”

“But our amazing teams are doing all they can. Our 135 independently run branches continue to rehome at a phenomenal pace and we are extremely proud of the work that they do.They play a vital role in local communities across England and Wales and whilst they feel the pressure of taking in more animals they have done an incredible job finding so many loving new homes.”

The RSPCA hopes its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign will increase adoption rates across England and Wales. The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming.

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