The price of food in October 2023 was around 30% higher than it was in October 2021. Every shopper has been aware of this and, for many, stark choices have to be made between heating and eating.

In Orkney the Foodbank and free Food Fridges have become essential places providing basic foodstuffs. Charity shops are able to supply good clothes and household items for those on a low budget.

One of the products which has spiralled in price is pet food. Pets bring great comfort to people.  They need care and attention. Walking a dog is a great way to exercise with no excuse accepted by our 4 legged friends for not going out. During the Covid-19 lockdowns pets were important for helping people through that dreadful time.

One woman in Orkney saw a need to give a little help to people who were struggling to feed their animal companions. Jacqueline Fitzpatrick has set up a Pet Foodbank in her charity shop, ODD Animals Rescue.

Located in Victoria Street, Kirkwall, the Pet Foodbank is easy to reach and open to anyone who is finding it difficult to buy cat and dog food. Jacqueline explained that she wanted to do something to help and realised this is what she could do. Situated at the back of the shop it is a really busy service which relies totally on donations.

The latest report from the UK’s Competition and Market Authority stated that food price inflation continues to be at historically high levels, despite falling to 10.1% in October 2023.

“Over the last 2 years, around three-quarters of branded suppliers in products such as infant formula, baked beans, mayonnaise, and pet food have increased their unit profitability and, in doing so, have contributed to higher food price inflation.”

The UK pet food industry is big business bringing in an estimated £3.3billion in profits to the manufacturers. Dog food makes up over half of the income with cat food being the next most profitable. Mars is the largest pet food supplier to the UK with labels such as: Cesar, Chappie, Eukanuba, IAMS, James Wellbeloved, Kitekat, Pedigree, Royal Canin, Sheba, Whiskas, and Aquarian fish food. The Nestle company have  brands under the Purina label including Friskies, Felix and Dog Chow. For Nestle, Purina PetCare was the largest contributor to its growth. Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan and Felix all recorded double-digit growth in 2023. The UK Pet Food market is one of the largest in the world, second only to the USA.

Brexit has also affected the price of pet food in the UK. Over 600 million kilograms was imported mostly from EU countries. Now that the UK has left the EU, the world’s largest free trade market, importing goods, including transport costs, have all added to the increase in prices. The biggest driver, however, is from manufacturers increasing their profits and taking advantage of our love for our pets.

Increased prices to heat our homes and to feed our families have resulted in some people having to give up their pets. This is a terrible decision for all those who love their pets to do. The Orkney Pet Foodbank can hopefully prevent pet owners having to make that choice. The SSPCA is trying to support Scots to keep their pets by providing pet food, treats and other essential items to food bank users who are caring for a pet. Anyone who is struggling with the costs of caring for an animal can get advice and support from the SSPCA helpline 03000 999 999. It receives over 540 calls per day. Like all charities, the SSPCA is struggling with keeping its services going and that is why the independently run Orkney Pet Foodbank is so important in filling this gap in the islands.

Jacqueline Fitzpatrick set up The ODD Animals Rescue Shop when she retired and any money it makes goes towards a sanctuary in Romania for  Old, Damaged and Disabled Dogs and Cats. Run entirely by volunteers and bursting with all manner of items, the shop also has a range of excellent resources to help with the upkeep of your pet: dog jackets, harnesses, pet beds, and for the festive season Christmas gifts.

ODD Animals Rescue provides vital financial support to Romania without which the sanctuary would close. Every penny spent in the shop goes towards providing a safe place for dogs and cats which have suffered shocking abuse in that country.

Adding to its charity  work in Romania, Jacqueline’s Pet Foodbank is a simple and yet important service for islanders who have been hit hard by  rocketing food prices for their most loyal companions.

ODD Animals Charity Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.

This article is part of a collaborative effort by the The Scottish Beacon – a collaborative of 22 independent, community-based publications based all over Scotland. By working together, we hope to amplify the stories from Scotland’s communities, as well as highlighting shared issues and potential solutions.

To see the other articles from our partners visit www.scottishbeacon.com

Fiona Grahame