Every year, the festive season brings joy, celebration and, sadly, a concerning rise in pet abandonment. Increasingly, animal welfare organisations are sounding the alarm… pets are being left alone, neglected, and shockingly, even dumped in the weeks following Christmas. For many, what began as a well-intentioned gift becomes a heartbreaking burden.
At Sabre Pet Food, pets are members of our family. We believe in a world where every animal is treated with compassion and afforded the quality of life that they deserve. Whilst it is tough to read, we think that sharing the latest data on post-Christmas animal abandonment is vital if we’re going to shift people’s mindsets surrounding giving pets as gifts. This blog explores that data, why it’s happening, and how, as a community, we can make more compassionate and responsible choices.
The Scale of the Problem: Recent Data You Need to Know
1. A Surge in Christmas Abandonments
In 2023/24, the RSPCA recorded a 23% increase in pets (including 660 dogs) being abandoned in homes between December 18 and January 2. That’s more than a thousand animals left alone, terrified, and vulnerable, often while their owners celebrated elsewhere.
2. The “Winter Crisis” Is Real
Beyond just Christmas, the RSPCA warns of a broader winter abandonment crisis. Reports of animals left alone spike over November–January, with 4,630 pets abandoned in winter 2023/24, a 51% increase in just three years.
This reflects deeper pressures: the cost of living, and the costs of caring for a pet, are pushing more people to rehome or abandon their animals.
3. Neglect Is Rising, Too
It’s not just abandonment. From January to September 2024, RSPCA’s cruelty hotline logged 48,814 neglect cases, nearly 25% more than the same period in 2023.
4. Why This Matters — The Bigger Picture
The UK dog population is estimated at 10.6 million. Almost a quarter of dog owners say their pet care is being affected by the cost of living. Worryingly, 2% of pet owners (around 340,000 pets) rely on pet food banks.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re real animals whose lives are disrupted, sometimes permanently, because of financial, emotional, or impulsive decisions.
Why Does This Happen?
There’s no single reason why so many pets end up abandoned or neglected around Christmas, but several recurring factors stand out:
- Impulse Buying: A dog bought or given as a “cute present” isn’t always a well-thought-out, long-term commitment
- Underestimating the Cost: Owning a dog isn’t just about food. There’s vet care, training, insurance, and daily maintenance
- Holiday Plans: Some owners may travel or stay with family, and leave pets behind, without realising how stressful or damaging that can be
- Financial Pressures: The cost-of-living crisis is hitting pet owners hard. Rising vet bills and food costs are forcing heartbreaking decisions
- Pandemic Legacy: Many people adopted pets during COVID lockdowns, but later found they couldn’t sustain the commitment when life returned to “normal”
What Can We Do - As Pet Owners, Consumers, and as a Community
At Sabre Pet Food, we feel it’s our responsibility to be part of the solution, not just by providing great nutrition at an affordable price, but by promoting responsible pet care. Here’s how we can all help:
Think Before Gifting
- Don’t give a pet as a surprise gift. Have a conversation first
- Consider alternative “pet-related” gifts like toys, beds, or even “pet adoption support” (e.g., donating to a rescue in someone’s name)
Prepare for the Long Haul
- Be realistic: a dog can live 10+ years, and the costs add up
- Budget for food, vet visits, grooming, and training
Support Rescues and Charities
- If you’re thinking about getting a dog, consider adoption from a shelter
- Donate time, money, or food to local rescue centres — especially during the winter months when demand is high
Use Your Voice
- Share the issue: talk to friends or family about the realities of pet ownership
- If you’re in a difficult financial situation, reach out to pet-food banks or charities. Many provide support before things become critical
Choose High-Quality Nutrition
Feeding your pet well helps reduce health issues down the line. At Sabre, we’re proud to offer food that supports both physical health and long-term well-being
Why This Matters to Us
At Sabre, we don’t just care about selling pet food; we care about pets. Every time a dog or cat is abandoned, it’s a failure of responsible ownership and community support. By educating pet owners, raising awareness of seasonal spikes in abandonment, and partnering with rescues or charities, we can do more than just feed; we aim to help save lives.
“A dog for Christmas” might sound heartwarming, but the reality can be far more complex. The data is clear: abandonment and neglect rise sharply around and after the festive season. For many animals, the “gift” of a loving home ends up being heartbreak.
If you’re thinking of bringing a pet into your family, we urge you to think long-term. Do your homework. Talk to rescues. Plan your budget. And if you already have a pet, consider how you can support your community in helping other animals in need.
Together, we can make sure that the spirit of Christmas is about care, compassion, and commitment, not regret.
For advice, support, or more ways in which you can help, visit the RSPCA website.
By Jamie Slack.