Starting this April - which is National Pet Month - the housebuilder is asking teams across its divisions to donate animal food for the next two months. Goods will later be handed into animal welfare charity SSPCA’s pet food bank service, Pet Aid, which helps those struggling to afford the cost of food.

It comes after the Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis - 2023 Report by Barratt Developments PLC - which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – found that of the quarter of Scots (26%) who bought a pet during lockdown, 15% have had to take it to a rescue centre as a result of rising household costs.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 consumers from across the UK who are buying or considering buying a new home in the next two years, found that rising prices are affecting all age groups. When it comes to pet owners, the younger generation are feeling the squeeze the most, with those aged 25 to 34 the most likely to have returned lockdown animals to save money (28%).

There was a surge in people purchasing pets during the pandemic when they had more time to spend at home, but now that the economic outlook is changing, this trend is reversing. In addition, over half of those who moved into a bigger house are now considering downsizing to save money.

Douglas McLeod, managing director of Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “People are faced with making very tough decisions as a result of the cost-of-living crisis – whether that be moving home, or finding ways to reduce household bills. Having pets in the family means there are more bowls to fill, and this report confirms the sad reality that for some, that’s simply not an option when money is tight.

“We believe that no pet should have to go hungry, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets. That’s why we’re supporting the SSPCA with a donation to its pet food bank, in hopes that it will help those who are struggling and prevent animals going to rescue.”

SSPCA Pet Aid coordinator, Carrie Giannelli, said: “The support from Barratt Homes Scotland this month will help us enormously. Our Pet Aid service supports people who are struggling with the cost of caring for an animal, and we have seen demand for the service skyrocket due to the continuing cost-of-living crisis.

“Through Pet Aid, we provide essential food supplies for animals through a network of food banks across most of Scotland. We are currently supporting 40 food banks in 17 local authorities and already have a further 16 foodbanks who are looking to join. A full list of foodbanks where Pet Aid is available can be found on our website.

“Anyone struggling to care for their pet can call the Society’s animal helpline in strict confidence on 03000 999 999 for help and advice.”