Dog is for life not just for lockdown: Charities warn people to 'think beyond the pandemic'
There has been a surge in people wanting to take on a puppy or a new dog during the pandemic.
The Kennel Club says it saw an 84 percent increase in people searching its website for a new dog in the week leading up to lockdown.
But, along with the RSPCA, the organisation is urging people to think carefully before making the commitment.
Sarah Webber from Torpoint says her dog has been a welcome distraction in these strange times.
Sarah had already started rehoming proceedings for rescue dog Hoagie before the pandemic and managed to bring him home to Torpoint just before lockdown.
She said: ''If he hadn't been picked up then he probably would still be in foster now waiting for a forever home so at least now he can be settled and happy.''
The RSPCA has seen an average of 40 abandonments per day during the pandemic and is encouraging people to only consider dog ownership if it's something they would have done anyway.
Advice from the Head of Companion Animals RSPCA, Sam Gaines:
Labrador breeders Tim and Lena Sperring say they are being inundated with calls from prospective new owners.
Lena said: ''They're asking if they can have puppies quite quickly which obviously is not going to happen from us as we work on a waiting list.
"We're receiving probably four times the amount of enquiries per day and telephone calls, just very very busy a lot busier than it would be normally.''