Struggling pet owners are relying on animal food banks to feed their animals amid a cost-of-living crisis.
In the last two years, the price of pet food has increased by as much as 58 percent.
The RSPCA says eight in 10 people struggle to afford their pets.
The charity currently provides pet supplies to 160 regular food banks.
Its pet foodbank coordinator Alison Fletcher said: ‘As animal lovers, we know how important it is to keep owners with their pets as long as possible.
‘Bringing them together during difficult times benefits the welfare of both the owners and the animals and also helps tackle some of the problems in animal rescue centres.’
Blue Cross has already set up six dedicated pet foodbanks and more are independently run.
One, in Waltham Forest, East London, has helped almost 400 animals and their owners in just one year.
It was built by a group of friends including Shelagh Savage, 70.
Ms Savage told the Sunday Mirror: ‘We all run lost pet groups so we know the need for people to get help to keep their animals. Too many pets are given up because people can’t afford them.’
Volunteers, who operate out of Tesco in Highams Park, also provide accessories such as leads, beds and toys.
Among those using the service is Alex Sarney, 38, who said he has struggled to feed his dog Aiya since he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May.
Ms Sarney said: ‘I haven’t had to think about giving Aiya up and it just relieves a lot of stress, especially with the cost of living.
‘They’re really smart so a lot of people benefit from it. It is done so sensitively that there is no shame in coming.’
People can be referred to council services, charities or foodbanks.
Anne Hirst, who has volunteered in animal rescue for nearly 20 years, set up a pet foodbank in York last year.
The charity Blue Cross has pet foodbank donation stations in 450 Pets and Home stores nationwide.
