DEMAND for pets has surged since the start of the coronavirus pandemic with Dogs Trust reporting 66-per-cent more calls in 2020 than 2019. 

As we all bunker down for the foreseeable, many of us have noticed a gaping hole in our lives that can only be filled with a four-legged friend. 

With many of us spending a lot more time inside as we now work from home or only going outside for part of our daily exercise - which is more frequently a gentle walk around the block than a 5k run like we all promised ourselves. 

The prospect of adopting a needy animal into our hearts and homes has become more realistic than ever. 

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said:  “It's no surprise that during the pandemic there has been a huge demand for dogs, as more people have been at home with time to care for a new family member, of the canine kind. 

“We saw a 66% increase in calls from members of the public looking to rehome from us in 2020 compared to 2019.

“Owning a dog is an absolutely wonderful thing, but it's also a big responsibility. Before embarking on the exciting journey of welcoming a four-legged friend into your life, it's really important to think about what life is like now and what it will be like in the future.”

Here are some Essex-based animals in need of their forever home: 

Bruno

Echo:

Big boy Bruno is looking for a home with an owner that has experience of looking after big dogs - he must also be the only pet in the home. 

He's a loving pooch who would like to live with a single adult and walk in low dog populated areas. 

Bruno needs a private garden to play in and a home with no visiting children. 

Find out more on the Dogs Trust website.

Ally

Echo:

Greyhound Ally is looking for her happily-ever-after. 

She's fine living with children over 11 and is a playful girl who loves human interaction and attention, so she must be the only pet in the home.

An ex-racing dog she's best walked with a muzzle and kept on a lead during adventures. She's well-trained outside but will need a hand with housetraining. 

Find out more on the website. 

Gerry

Echo:

Have you got space in your heart to love gorgeous Gerry? 

This five-year-old is full of energy and excitement, as an ex-racing greyhound he'll need an owner who is happy and patient enough to train him and take him on lots of walks. 

He will need a secure garden to play in as he can be strong on the lead. 

Find out more on the website.

Patch

Echo:

Perfect Patch is a six-year-old Shar Pei looking for an owner with experience in the breed as this will help with his development.

He's a clever boy who is fully house trained and loving life at his foster home - potential owners should have experience with rescue dogs before taking him on.

He is described as a real "snuggle monster" who loves a snooze on his foster carers bed.

He  would suit a quiet adult only home who can accommodate some medical needs as there might be additional costs for owners in the future. 

Find out more on the website.

Lawrie and Elvis

Echo:

Lawrie and Elvis are described as the Yin and Yang of the Bunny world. 

While she's confident, he's shy and this makes for two complimenting natures which would be the ideal addition to a family home. 

Great for an adult home or house with teenagers these domestic rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. 

Find out more on the RSPCA website.