A NEW initiative to support people and pets struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis has been launched in Renfrewshire.

The Pet Aid pilot, organised by the Scottish SPCA, will see regular deliveries of pet food commence this week to 13 foodbanks in 12 local authorities.

It is hoped the animal welfare charity's partnership with Renfrewshire Foodbank will see vital supplies being provided to pet owners in need.

The Scottish SPCA has recently seen a rise in calls to give up the most commonly owned types of pets.

In the first six months of 2021, the charity received 194 calls to take in a dog from an owner. In the same period in 2022, this figure has risen by 261% to 700. 

The Scottish SPCA's animal rescue and rehoming centres have also seen a rise in certain types of animals coming in to care. For example, the number of dogs has increased by 15% compared to 2021.

Over the last three years, the charity have taken in a total of 299 abandoned pets.

Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: "Pet Aid will provide an invaluable service to people and pets feeling the full brunt of the cost-of-living crisis.

"This year, our inspectors have had to support pet owners in some horrendous situations. We're helping people who are not buying food for themselves so they can feed their pet, who are calling our animal helpline in floods of tears because they feel they've let their animal down.

"Pet Aid is part of our wider commitment to early intervention when it comes to protecting animals. Wherever possible, we will act to stop a person feeling they have no choice but to give up their pet."

The Scottish SPCA said it was committed to expanding Pet Aid to provide nationwide support to animals and their owners.

Kirsteen added: "Pet Aid will provide vital supplies of pet food to people. We'll evaluate how the pilot goes, work with partners and speak to pet owners to understand what additional help they could benefit from. This will inform how Pet Aid grows in the months and years to come."

More information about the pilot can be found at www.scottishspca.org/pet-aid.