A key reason why pets get abandoned - and one simple thing that could change it.

The hidden impact of the cost of living crisis on pets

The UK is a nation of pet lovers. Millions of households rely on pets not just for companionship, but for emotional support, routine, and wellbeing.

But the cost of living crisis is putting that bond under real pressure.

For many families, the choice between heating or eating is no longer hypothetical—it’s a weekly reality. And when budgets tighten, pets are often the unintended victims.

This has led to a growing and worrying trend:

• Increased pet abandonment

• Rising demand for animal shelters and rehoming centres

• Greater strain on already stretched charities and rescue organisations

Yet one of the most overlooked causes is surprisingly simple:👉 Access to affordable pet food

Why pets are being given up

When households hit financial difficulty, pet ownership becomes harder to sustain—not because of a lack of love, but a lack of resources.

Common challenges include:

• The rising cost of dog and cat food

• Additional essentials like cat litter and flea treatments

• Reduced access to pet support services

For many, the tipping point is food.

If you cannot feed your pet, you are forced into an impossible decision.

The role of food banks – and what’s missing

Across the UK, food banks have become a critical lifeline for families. Their growth has been rapid, necessary, and impactful.

However, there is a gap.

👉 Most food banks do not routinely provide pet food

This creates a disconnect:

• Families receive support for themselves

• But not for their pets

The result?People are still forced to consider giving up animals they love.

A simple solution: Pet food banks

The solution is not complex, expensive, or difficult to implement.

Pet food banks can be integrated into existing food banks with minimal effort and high impact.

What does a pet food bank include?

A basic setup might include:

• Dry dog food

• Wet dog food

• Dry and wet cat food

• Cat litter

That’s it.

No complex infrastructure. No specialist training. Just a small extension of existing support.

Why pet food banks matter

Adding pet food provision delivers far-reaching benefits:

1. Keeps pets with their families

Preventing unnecessary separation reduces emotional distress for both people and animals.

2. Reduces pressure on shelters

Fewer abandoned pets means less strain on rescue centres and charities.

3. Supports mental health

Pets play a critical role in:

• Reducing loneliness

• Supporting routine and stability

• Improving emotional wellbeing

Removing that support can have serious consequences.

4. Strengthens community support systems

Food banks become more holistic—supporting the whole household, not just part of it.

How The Florence Foundation is helping

The Florence Foundation is actively working with food banks and charities across the UK to make this change happen.

We provide:

• Grants for food banks to establish pet food provision

• Funding for initial stock and setup

• Support for ongoing pet food bank operations

Our goal is simple:👉 Make it easier for food banks to support pet-owning families

Why food banks should apply for funding

If you run or support a food bank, this is a practical opportunity to expand your impact.

By introducing a pet food bank, you can:

• Help prevent pet abandonment

• Support vulnerable households more effectively

• Access grant funding for charities to get started

And most importantly:👉 Make a meaningful difference with a relatively small change

A small change. A lasting impact.

Sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest.

Adding pet food to your food bank offering:

• Keeps families together

• Protects animal welfare

• Strengthens communities

At a time when both people and pets need support more than ever, this is a change worth making.

Apply for a grant to start a pet food bank

The Florence Foundation is encouraging UK food banks and charities to apply for funding to establish pet food banks.

If you are ready to take this step:👉 Visit www.florencefoundation.org/apply

Together, we can reduce pet abandonment—and keep more pets where they belong: at home.