The waiting list for owners having to give up their pets to animal shelters is getting "progressively worse" as people struggle with the cost of living crisis.
A rehoming centre in Norfolk has claimed the rising cost of living is "having a big impact now" as they are at capacity with the number of pets they can take in.
The West Norfolk RSPCA Rehoming Centre at Eau Brink, near King's Lynn, is full for rabbits, dogs and cats, with a waiting list of nine cats, 12 rabbits, 31 dogs and eight puppies.
As of June, the centre, once referred to as West Norfolk's Battersea Dogs Home, had a waiting list of eight owners who were looking to hand their animals over but this has grown considerably.
Branch manager Carl Saunders said: "Vet bills are often the tipping point for many pet owners, especially unexpected ones.
"A simple dental can cost up to £900 which is an additional expense people can't afford after electricity bills.
"On the whole, it's a lot of circumstances changing at this time of year, either relationships ending, moving house, or deaths in families meaning people cannot look after the animal.
"All we can do is keep doing what we do and get the word out of what we have got.
"If you do need to rehome, search around every option. Please speak to us and we will do everything we can."
It comes as a new survey by online pet marketplace Pets4Homes found that one in 10 UK pet owners are considering giving up their companion to cope with cost of living pressures.
Almost a fifth of owners (18%) are already falling into debt to pay for their pets’ care, while 25% said they will not take their pet to the vet due to the high cost.
Lee Gibson, UK managing director at Pets4Homes, added: “The cost of living crisis is already having a major impact on pets and their owners.
"The current challenges have resulted in a clear end to the boom in pet adoption and rehoming which defined the lockdown period, as cost is discouraging many from seeking a new pet."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here