A team of animal lovers in Cambridgeshire, who are determined to make finding the right pet to adopt a great deal easier, have launched a new central database to simplify the process of finding rescue dogs and cats in need of adoption.
Recent TV and news articles confirm that there has been a dramatic rise in the number of pet owners parting with their dogs and cats. There are many reasons why a family may need to rehome a pet, but every pet is relovable and deserves a safe and loving home. The cost of living crisis has taken a huge toll on many households, leaving pet owners struggling with the cost of pet food and vet bills. Because of this, animal shelters and rescue homes have seen a 48% increase in the number of pets being taken to shelters.
Despite over 800,000 online searches being made by potential adopters every month, over 100,000 animals are simply not found and many remain in shelter for several months – even years. Sadly, in some cases, long term shelter residents can face euthanasia. The problem is clear and obvious. Potential pet adopters face the fragmented task of searching over 1,000 separate animal shelter websites to find the right dog or cat to adopt – and many give up. The fact is, no central database for animals available for re-homing exists, yet websites such as Rightmove for property or Autotrader for cars have proven to be the ‘go to’ websites for their industries.
Work began in 2022 to create a website and develop a community of animal shelters and people willing to adopt a dog or cat. The website aims to be of nationwide appeal, connecting animal lovers with shelters from all over the country, making the adoption process more accessible to all. The website will also provide valuable pet adopting community information and resources to help pet owners care for their new furry friends. In April 2023 the group launched the website https://www.relovablepets.co.uk
This solution was not revolutionary but evolutionary and simple. By replicating the service provided by Rightmove and Autotrader, the adopting public would have access to a single database of animals and in doing so, increase their chances of a successful adoption. The website would also deliver benefits to shelters too by providing access to a wider geographical audience, and therefore driving more enquiries directly to them.
“We are thrilled to have developed a solution that simplifies the pet adoption process and connects animal lovers with their perfect pet. We understand the challenges of searching and registering with the many shelters to find the right pet, and our goal is to make it easier for everyone,” said founder Elaine Scott.
The organisation have launched a crowdfunding appeal to help cover the initial costs of digitally connecting animal shelter lists with the Relovable Pets website to create a dynamic and live central database. Their fundraising project ends on the 16th June and needs to raise £25,000 to secure the funds. More information can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/relovable-pets and all donations no matter how small are welcome.
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