RSPCA branch account manager Imara Ó Niocail said that “a lot of people who were more than capable of affording to have these animals” were no longer able to care for them due to the cost of living or a change in circumstances.
“We would like to keep the animals at home with the owners and treat them there,” Ó Niocail told the BBC.
The low cost clinic meant that pet owners in Medway could “seek the treatment that they need and then take the animals home”, without having to pay the full vet costs, she added.
Medway West branch manager Kevin Morton said the charity’s centres were “full-to-bursting” with animals and some people “give their animals up because they can’t afford to look after them”.
“Some people might think that if you can’t afford to feed it, then don’t have it, but if it’s your only companion you have, they can keep people going,” he said.
The branch has supplied 18,909 food items, 1,294 treats and 919kg of biscuits so far in 2026 through its pet food bank.
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