THE RSPCA is urging dog owners in England to make a plan for their pets as they prepare to return to normal life after Freedom Day on July 19.

The UK Government has announced that all Covid lockdown rules will be lifted in England and the work from home order will end on Monday, dubbed Freedom Day. Workers are expected to return to the office but the RSPCA is urging all dog owners to make a plan to help their pets cope with the change in routine.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA pet welfare expert, said: “The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) released its annual pet population data earlier this year, revealing that 3.2 million households in the UK have taken on a new pet during the pandemic.

“There are now an estimated 12 million dogs across the UK and, sadly, research suggests that around eight in 10 dogs can struggle to cope when left alone. Many families have taken on a new dog during lockdown and some of them may have never experienced being home alone, so this could pose real challenges after ‘Freedom Day’ in England.

“When we pop out to the shops or head out to work our dogs can become very anxious or worried. Some dogs can struggle with nothing to do or be frightened by loud noises outside. But many dogs form close bonds with us and don’t like to be alone. If they haven’t learnt that being by themselves is a positive experience then it can be very difficult.

“It’s really important that we help them learn to cope with being left at home and gradually teach them to be alone in a positive way. We’re urging owners to think about this before they head back to the office and to come up with a plan to help their dogs cope with this change in routine.”