A DOG rescue fears there will be a huge increase in pets needing to be rehomed after the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost Home Dog Rescue, based in Nercwys, has thankfully not seen an increase in unwanted dogs from fears they can carry the virus.

However, they have seen a higher demand for people who need additional help and support with their dogs.

A spokesman said: "Sadly we have also seen owners passing away in the family, and they are struggling to keep the dog and therefore we have had to step in those situations as well.

"What has surprised us is a lot of people wanting dogs, but we are worried that they only want dogs in the isolation period and they haven’t thought about the long future plan regarding the dog.

"What happens to that dog when they go back to work and everything goes back to what we call normal?"

The rescue said they fear they will see a surge in unwanted pups when lockdown is lifted and restrictions return to normal.

The spokesman added: "We do feel that we will have a huge increase of dogs needing a home after this pandemic is over. We believe this is going to happen due to the dogs routine been changed so much, for example all of a sudden all the family are home all the time but everybody wants to walk the dog to get the daily exercise.

"In some cases this will result in the dog having three to four walks a day and never being left alone and therefore the dog is used as company and that amount of exercise.

"So when that family goes back to being in school and working full time the dogs then go back to being alone for six to eight hours a day and only one walk a day.

"This could create behavioural issues such as separation anxiety and stress and this is where we feel we are going to have a massive amount of dogs needing our help.

"We are trying to explain to people that it is a hard time and uncertain times however we need to keep the dogs routine as close as possible to their normal routine so that when we go back to normal and go back to work school etc, it’s not such a scary change for the dog."

The rescue has had to change drastically due to the lockdown restrictions meaning they are unable to assess dogs and bring them into the care of the rescue, unless in urgent situations.

They are also worried about the lack of fundraising available for the charity which will be needed for the care of the dogs.

The charity spokesman said: "It’s a worrying time for everybody out there, businesses and charities alike. Sadly as an animal charity we are struggling to find any funds or any grants that can help during this time.

"We are ruled out because we are an animal charity. There are many ways of supporting us, such as Sponsoring our forever fosters. We have some people doing birthday fundraisers for us over Facebook.

"For example Tara who run the charity shop in Buckley; it’s her 50th this year on the 29th April. Tara has a fundraiser going on Facebook for her birthday. This will help towards running cost of the rescue at this difficult time.

"We want to let everybody know that we are still here for dogs who are desperately in need of help or genuine reason."