The Scottish SPCA received 476 calls from people asking about surrendering their animals between Sept. 1, 2020, and Jan. 5, compared with 205 calls over the same period a year earlier, although the abandonment rate has not risen. Animal welfare experts predicted that inquiries about surrenders would rise after people adopted pets for the first time during the pandemic, and Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn says people should seek help from a reputable trainer or behaviorist before giving up a pet.