The cost of living crisis has left some people with the agonising choice of keeping their pet or giving them up to put food on the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), nationally, the number of people on universal credit has increased from 570,000 in July of 2017, to a staggering 5.7 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On top of this there has been a decline in real earnings of 4.1% in the previous year and unemployment is also on the rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheffield, however, has seen some of the largest increases, with the DWP stating that over 60,000 people are claiming universal credit with an unemployment rate of 4.7% – a full 1% above the national average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free veterinary organisations and pet food banks are a last resort and are inundated with people needing their services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is now an enormous amount of pressure on many organisations such as the local RSPCA, Blue Cross and PDSA, who are currently at breaking point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheffield’s PDSA Pet Hospital on Newhall Road was already facing difficulties last year from a national shortage of vets and had to temporarily close in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the last year, the pet hospital has seen a huge increase in demand for their services of over 50% and were only able to offer emergency services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PDSA Vet Lynne James said: \u201cThese are uncertain times and not every eventuality can be planned for. People\u2019s circumstances can change without warning and through no fault of their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur charity helps pets and their owners who are in need, and we remain endlessly grateful for the ongoing donations we receive to support our work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n