Understand
Animal rescue charities in Devon and Cornwall report that large dogs are facing significantly longer waits to find new homes
Overview
Animal rescue centres across the south-west of England, including Woodside Animal Sanctuary in Plymouth and the RSPCA Cornwall Animal Centre, state that large dogs are waiting much longer to be rehomed amid a wider rehoming crisis. Charities point to high ownership costs, such as vet fees and food, alongside the need for extra training, as reasons why potential owners are put off. Larger breeds can take up to seven times longer to rehome than smaller dogs, leaving rescue facilities full and waiting lists growing.
Key points
- Woodside Animal Sanctuary in Plymouth reported full kennels and a waitlist of over 40 large dogs.
- The RSPCA Cornwall Animal Centre stated that big dogs in its care wait an average of six months or more.
- Larger dog breeds can take up to seven times longer to be rehomed compared to smaller breeds.
- Charities cite the rising costs of pet ownership, particularly expensive vet fees and food, as key factors deterring adopters.
- Many large dogs require specialized training and are frequently overlooked due to concerns regarding their size and strength.