How to save money on pet care as the cost of living rises
Owning a pet can be an expensive business. From food to vet care, there are a range of obligatory outgoings, and with the soaring cost of living, many owners are worried about meeting the costs of looking after their pets.
According to a survey of 4,000 people carried out for the RSPCA, 78% of pet owners think the cost of living crisis will have a negative impact on their animals, while 68% said they were concerned that care costs were already increasing, and 19% said they were worried about how they would afford to feed their pets.
If you are considering getting a pet, it is vital to work out the financial implications first. “Before taking on any pet, we strongly advise prospective owners to do thorough research into how they can provide for their needs, including looking into the costs involved,” Lynne James, a vet from the charity PDSA, says.
“Costs including food, preventive healthcare, accessories and insurance can quickly add up. That’s without the expense of unexpected vet bills should your pet become unwell or be involved in an accident.”
Of course, the costs will vary wildly according to the type of animal and breed but James says: “A large-breed dog, for example, can cost £30,000 over their lifetime, and cat owners could be spending as much as £24,000. These costs can be significantly more, depending on many factors including health, training and grooming needs.”
The RSPCA suggests finding a cheaper pet food that will still meet your pet’s needs, or perhaps mixing a cheaper food with the usual product you buy to make it last longer.
While for dogs and cats, big bags of dry food are typically more expensive upfront than wet food, the overall cost is lower. The most important thing, the charity advises, is that you
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