The RSPCA has launched its annual Adoptober rehoming campaign aimed at encouraging prospective pet owners to consider giving a rescued animal a new home.

Figures from the charity have revealed the RSPCA is taking in more animals year-on-year with rehoming rates falling behind.

In Dorset, the total number of animals rehomed slipped 8% from 390 in 2020 to 359 in 2021.

The number of dogs rehomed fell by a third from 72 in 2020 to 48 in 2021; while rabbits rehoused fell 46% from 59 to 32.

Cats bucked the trend, however, with 30% more rehomed in 2021 (210 compared to 162) and 21% more ‘other pets’ - like guinea pigs, rodents, farm animals and birds - found a new home (117 compared to 97).

The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet.

Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “It’s really concerning to see that animals are staying in our care for longer and that less are being rehomed year-on-year. Unfortunately, we believe we’re really starting to see the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

“Many of the animals - particularly dogs - who are coming into our care have behavioural challenges which could be linked to how they were bred as well as lockdown limiting the amount of training, socialising and outside world experience they had.

“We’re also beginning to see more animals coming into our care because their owners simply couldn’t afford to care for them any more; or, in the most extreme cases, having been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.

In 2021, the charity adopted 7,412 dogs, 2,731 rabbits and 5,900 'other pets'.

The RSPCA’s annual Adoptober rehoming drive runs throughout the month of October to promote adoption and highlight the many animals the charity has waiting to find their perfect match.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match."