Eight adorable dogs up for adoption from Bristol Animal Rescue Centre after ‘high volume’ of rescues following Christmas

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has received a ‘high volume’ of dogs following Christmas - and is appealing for people to come forward to adopt the pets.

The centre, based in St Philip’s, says it has rescued many more slightly older dogs compared to previous years.

Bosses believe the Covid lockdown may have resulted in people holding on to dogs longer than they might have previously.

Every year hundreds of dogs are sent to animal homes across the country.

Many people underestimate the toll that dog ownership can take.

‘High volume of dogs’

Centre manager Jodie Hayward spoke to Bristol World about the current situation.

She said: “Traditionally we do receive a high volume of dogs into our care at this time of year and 2022 is no different.

“What has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic has been the age of the dogs who need help.

“In the past we typically saw many dogs at the juvenile stage whose behaviour was becoming harder for pet owners to handle.

“Since the pandemic, we’ve been seeing dogs that are slightly older, with the majority aged 1 – 2.5 years.”

Why rescued dogs this year were older

Asked why she thinks the age of dogs received had changed this year, she said: “There are all sorts of reasons why this could be the case.

“It could be time added due to lockdowns – so a backlog of cases, or people hanging onto them longer than they might otherwise have done.”

Other factors included changes in people’s circumstances, such as. people losing their jobs and now unable to care for pets or people moving accommodation and no longer able to keep pets at home.

‘All sorts of breeds’

The dogs received by the centre are ‘all sorts of breeds’, said Ms Hayward, who believes breeders are not explaining the full extent of care some dogs need before selling them.

She added: “In recent years there has been a slight increase in pedigree dogs coming through, which could be a result of people buying from breeders and perhaps not fully understanding the implications of caring for these animals.”

As well as looking after pets, the centre also tries to help pet owners if they are struggling through community outreach teams.

For those who are considering making the difficult decision to rehome their pet, there is guidance available on our website.

Dogs up for adoption

Clover

Clover is very food motivated so enjoys the training, and any potential adopters will be shown how to continue her training in the home. Clover is very affectionate and loves activities such as agility training.

To see Clover’s page, click here

Coco

Coco is an intelligent, extraordinary dog with an eagerness to learn. She has high drive, much like a working dog, and thoroughly enjoys being tested mentally through scent work, obedience and agility style training

To see Coco’s page, click here

Kiwi

Kiwi is a cuddly girl will bring so much joy and happiness to her new home, and she is looking forward to finally finding her forever home!

To see Kiwi’s page, click here

Ralphie

Ralphie is an extremely loving dog who enjoys a good old cuddle! He is incredibly active and can become super excited when going for a walk or when he is off lead.

To see Ralphie’s page, click here

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a young, lively lab who loves cuddles and fuss, but will need extra time dedicated to her training. She is a really fun dog, who is seeking adopters that can offer her the training and support that she requires to become a more confident dog.

To see Pumpkin’s page, click here

Sophie

Sophie is a lovely girl who enjoys the company of people she knows and trusts.She is such a special dog, and will have lots of love and joy to share with her new family.

To see Sophie’s page, clickhere

Max Russell

Max is looking for understanding adopters who are willing to put time into helping him build his confidence. He loves human company but can be worried when it comes to handling and might show a lot of appeasement. Max enjoys playing with his toys, going for walks and is very food motivated.

To see Max Russell’s page, click here

Ruby

Ruby is a really playful girl, who loves a good game of ‘ball swap’ and thoroughly enjoys chasing her rubber ball around - it’s her absolute favourite toy! Ruby really is a lovely dog and just needs a home that can accommodate her needs and let her come around in her own time.

To see Ruby’s page, click here