At Ferne Animal Sanctuary, our incredible team spend each day dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals in need. Rehoming an animal is an extremely rewarding journey, but it’s not one without its challenges. Taking in animals in their time of need and providing them with around-the-clock support, love and care, to the point of rehoming a healthy and happy pet requires time and investment.
From the moment we rescue an animal at Ferne, to the day they find their forever home, each step involves critical care and resources that come with rising costs. Experiencing fees soar across the board, from veterinary care to essential daily bills, the need for support from compassionate individuals in our community and beyond has never been greater.
Hidden costs behind animal rehoming
Many of our rescue animals arrive at the sanctuary in need of immediate care, whether from neglect, abandonment or surrender. Initial health checks and rehabilitation can involve many veterinary fees, including medical evaluations to check for injuries, illnesses, or parasites, and in more critical cases, emergency treatments or surgeries which can cost upwards of £1,000 per animal. Spaying and neutering alone costs up to £350 for each pet as well as vaccinations and microchipping adding another £100 or more per animal.
With the time of stay of our rescue animals differing per species, condition and individual needs and progress, these figures only scratch the surface. In addition, many of our 300 animal residents we currently house and care for at the sanctuary are unable to be rehomed due to longstanding medical conditions. Rising expenses for heating, maintenance, and shelter add to the financial strain, when the sanctuary is so reliant on warm, secure spaces for the animals.
Charities face the same cost of living crisis
Providing a safe haven for vulnerable animals is a commitment we don’t take lightly, but it’s also one that involves extensive resources and ongoing investment. However, with Ferne’s veterinary and medical expenses averaging over £6,300 per month, whilst bedding costs surpass £2,000 each month alone, it’s not an easy feat ensuring cashflow covers essential costs.
In the past two years alone, we have seen unprecedented increases in operational costs at our sanctuary, with Ferne’s veterinary bills having risen by over 46%, reflecting a nationwide trend noted by the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, which also report significant increases in demand for veterinary services causing both charities to offer support with vet bills for pet owners. Our feed and bedding costs have also increased by more than 30% as well as our utility bills having risen by over 50%, in line with the cost-of-living crisis seeing heightened energy costs affecting households and charities alike.
Life-changing charity donations
Every donation from our incredible supporters makes a crucial contribution to the rehoming process, supporting the hidden costs behind our work at the sanctuary. Donations have a life-changing impact on animals’ lives, giving pets like our recently rehomed Labrador-crossbreed, Rocky, another chance in life. As just one recent example, we spent circa £6,000 on vital medical bills for Rocky’s hip replacement surgery, who is now making a full recovery and will be able to live a happy, pain-free life. For animals like Rocky who are rehomed with a pre-existing condition, Ferne provides lifetime support financially to the pet and its owner/s, in support of the animal’s ongoing care and welfare, beyond their days at Ferne.
The bigger picture
As highlighted by a recent RSPCA report, animal abandonment in England and Wales has risen by 51% during the winter period in the last three years, causing animal welfare organisations across the UK to feel the pressure.
At Ferne Animal Sanctuary, we rely on the kindness of our amazing supporters, like you, to continue our vital work. By donating, you’re not just helping to keep the lights on -you’re giving animals another chance at life to find loving, forever homes. Thank you, from all of us at Ferne, for your ongoing support.
To make a donation for our animals in need, please visit: www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org
If you’re looking to provide a safe and loving home for one of our animals, please register for rehoming, here: www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/rehome-an-animal
