Rescue helps families stay together through cost of living crisis

A community animal rescue is helping struggling owners feed and care for their beloved pets as the cost of living crisis continues to put household budgets under pressure.

An adorable pup who has been helped by Helping Dogs and Cats

Helping Dogs and Cats UK currently supports more than 160 families through its pet food bank, providing essential supplies to owners who might otherwise face the heartbreaking prospect of giving up their animals.

The Basingstoke-based rescue aims to keep dogs, cats and other small animals in loving homes rather than allowing financial hardship to force them into an already overstretched rescue system.

Its pet food bank is run from the Helping Dogs and Cats UK Community Shop and Hub at 4 Feathers Lane, Basingstoke, where owners can also access guidance, affordable microchipping and grooming support.

The organisation supports animals and families across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and Kent. As well as helping existing owners, it rescues and rehomes dogs, cats and small animals which have been abandoned or can no longer remain in their previous homes.

Helping Dogs and Cats UK was founded by Kirsty Wrightson in 2018 following the death of her much-loved dog Millie at the age of 15.

The special bond they shared inspired Kirsty to create an organisation which would extend the same care and compassion to other animals in need.

Kirsty said: “Losing Millie left an enormous hole in my life, but the love she gave me also became the reason I wanted to help other animals.

“I started Helping Dogs and Cats UK because no animal should be left without care and no loving owner should have to say goodbye to their pet simply because they have fallen on difficult times.

“Behind every request for help is a person who loves their animal and is desperately trying to do the right thing. Sometimes a bag of food, help with a vet bill or simply having someone listen can be enough to keep a family together. That is what Millie’s legacy means to me.”

The rescue is entirely run by volunteers and does not have a traditional shelter. Instead, animals are cared for in foster homes, where they receive the security, attention and rehabilitation they need while waiting for permanent families.

Kirsty Wrightson with Millie, the inspiration for the charity

A small number of cats are also looked after in a cattery in Kirsty’s garden.

The foster-based approach helps animals become accustomed to living in a home and allows the team to learn more about their personalities and individual needs before matching them with adopters.

But demand is growing. The rescue has an increasing waiting list of animals needing help and urgently requires more foster carers.

Foster homes are needed for dogs and cats requiring short-term, long-term or emergency placements, including animals recovering from illness or coping with the effects of abandonment. The rescue covers food and veterinary fees and provides foster carers with ongoing support.

The financial pressure facing rescue organisations has also increased sharply. Between August 2024 and February 2025, Helping Dogs and Cats UK spent more than £50,000 on veterinary care, including vaccinations, blood tests, neutering and surgery.

With no government funding, the organisation depends entirely upon donations, fundraising and volunteers to continue both its rescue work and its support for local owners.

Its mission extends beyond providing emergency pet food. The team also assists families struggling with veterinary costs, helping animals receive necessary treatment without being separated from the people who love them.

Affordable microchipping is available through the Community Shop and Hub, costing £20 for dogs and £15 for cats. Owners can also attend a pet guidance drop-in for friendly support and advice about caring for their animals.

The hub’s charity shop sells donated clothing, shoes, homeware, babywear and pet accessories, with income helping to pay for food, veterinary care and other essentials.

Members of the public can support the rescue by donating pet food, bedding, toys and grooming products, giving unwanted items to the shop, volunteering, fostering or fundraising.

Supporters can also sponsor a foster dog for £15 a month over two months, helping to provide nutritious food and essential flea and worm treatments during the animal’s initial assessment period.

At a time when many households are being forced to make painful financial decisions, the rescue’s work recognises that dogs are not luxuries but cherished members of the family.

By offering practical, compassionate help before owners reach crisis point, Helping Dogs and Cats UK is protecting those precious bonds while reducing the number of animals entering rescue.

The Community Shop and Hub is located at 4 Feathers Lane, Basingstoke, RG21 7AS. Anyone needing support or wishing to donate, volunteer, foster or adopt can call 01256 593373 or visit www.helpingdogsandcatsuk.org