Animal rescue charity warns that more owners are struggling with pet-related anxiety

An animal rescue charity that rescues over 2000 dogs per year have warned that more owners are struggling with pet related anxiety, commonly referred to as the puppy blues.

Birmingham Dogs Home and Europe’s leading pet GPS tracker, Kippy have stated that increasing pressures around work, finances and caring responsibilities are leaving many owners feeling overwhelmed after brining a new pet home, which can, in some cases, impact the rehoming experience.

In 2024, researchers coined the term ‘puppy blues’ to describe the feelings of anxiety, stress and overwhelm that some new pet owners experience.

The term has since become more widely recognised, highlighting that pet ownership – particularly for first-time owners – can be emotionally challenging.

Birmingham Dogs Home said, anecdotally, it has seen a rise in cases of pet owner anxiety – particularly as more workers return to the office and feel anxious about leaving their dogs alone for extended periods of time.

This is supported by the fact that the UK is currently experiencing the highest rate of in-office working since before the pandemic.

This rise in pet owner anxiety is echoed by Kippy’s research which revealed that the leading motivation for people using pet trackers is to ensure the security and safety of their animal.

In the wake of World Day Against Pet Abandonment this weekend, Kippy and Birmingham Dogs Home have joined forces to share expert advice on navigating the puppy blues and curbing this rise in pet owner anxiety. 

Jenni Jefferies, qualified behaviourist Birmingham Dogs Home, which is headquartered at Catherine-de-Barnes near Solihull, said: “Bringing a new dog into your home, whether it's a young puppy or a rescue dog, is a huge change and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times.

“We often talk about the excitement of welcoming a new pet, but not always about the challenges that can come with it. Sleepless nights, changes to your routine, training struggles, or simply adjusting to life with a new dog can leave some owners feeling stressed, anxious or even questioning whether they've made the right decision.

“If you're finding yourself feeling exhausted, emotional or worried about every little thing your dog does, you're certainly not alone. These feelings are more common than people realise and don't mean you're failing as an owner.

“The important thing is to recognise when you're struggling and reach out for support. With time, patience and the right guidance, both you and your dog can settle into your new life together and build a strong, lasting bond.”

Jenni continues: “The 3-3-3 rule is a tried-and-tested method recommended to owners after bringing a new pet home and can be a real lifesaver when experiencing pet-related anxiety or the 'puppy blues'.

 “The rule suggests that, when it comes to a rescue animal, it typically takes them three days to decompress and stabilise, three weeks to learn and align with your routines, and three months to feel completely safe.

“Of course, every animal is different, but generally working within this timeframe can support the success of rescuing and rehabilitating animals – and helps mitigate the challenges that can come with the process.

“In those first three days, owners should focus on creating a calm, predictable environment, allowing their new pet space to settle in without overwhelming them with visitors, new experiences or too much handling.

“Establishing a quiet sleeping area, a consistent feeding routine and giving the animal time to observe their new surroundings can make a huge difference.

“By the three-week mark, many pets will start to feel more comfortable, and their true personality may begin to emerge.

“This is a good time to focus on building trust through positive reinforcement, introducing training, establishing household boundaries, and gently exposing them to new environments and experiences with security measures in place.

“After three months, many rescue animals will have developed a stronger bond with their owner and a better understanding of their new routine.

“At this stage, owners can focus on strengthening that relationship through ongoing training, enrichment activities, exercise and socialisation, helping their pet feel secure, confident and settled for the long term.

"The key thing to remember is that adjustment takes time. There will be good days and challenging days, but patience, consistency and realistic expectations can make all the difference for both pets and their owners."