THE Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is looking for a final wave of support for its more-than-£134,000 Winter Appeal to help combat loneliness amongst pets and people.
The home saw a record demand for its services in 2024 so is now looking to raise £134,500 through the appeal to cover the rising costs of care, including £22,000 for heating over the cold months.
Over the past year, the home has processed 1,635 surrender requests, a figure nearly matching the entire estimated dog population of Edinburgh’s EH1 postcode.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has said that this rise in demand has left it in a position where it has had no choice but to turn people away.
Between January and June 2024, the helpline handled an incredible 17,995 calls, exceeding the total of 17,021 calls received in the entirety of 2023.
These calls amounted to 872 hours of support – equivalent to watching all of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films 44 times.
Calls range from surrender requests to pleas for advice on keeping pets during financial struggles.
Despite the challenges, the home found families for 216 cats and dogs and reunited 95 missing pets in 2024.
Beyond rehoming animals, the home provides emotional support to pet owners through its helpline.
The team works tirelessly to keep pets in loving homes whenever possible, offering signposting to resources, training tips, and practical advice.
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “We’ve seen an overwhelming demand for our services this year.
“Each call we take, and each family we support, reminds us why this work is so vital.
“Our Winter Appeal is about ensuring we can continue being a beacon of hope for pets and their people in the toughest of times.
“Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.”
Hefty operational costs mean that every penny raised will ensure that the animals of the home are well cared for this winter and donors can be part of creating happy endings for pets in need.
Donations of as little as £10 can provide essential vaccinations for a cat, while £150 could keep all the home’s dogs warm for the day.
Founded in 1883, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has been a lifeline for the community for over 140 years, relying entirely on public donations to sustain its vital work.
To support the Winter Appeal, visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal or text WARMHEARTS to 70085 to donate £10.
