Main content

Cost of living crisis for pet owners


How to Keep Vet Bills Down

• Consider pet insurance and try to keep up with this
• Ask your vet if you can split the cost over monthly payments (check eligibility)
• Think ahead, prevention is important

How To Keep Your Pet Well

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Keep flea and worm treatments up-to-date
  • Brush their teeth if you can
  • Consider pet insurance
  • Don’t take risks with your pets. Bones can get lodged in their stomach or fracture their teeth which can result in large bills.
  • Make sure toys you are giving your animals are appropriate for their size.

Financial Support for Flea or Worming Treatments

• Lots of vets offer a plan which is a monthly cost which covers vaccinations, nail clipping, flea worming etc. Dividing it into a monthly direct debit payment in case of a big bill offers a saving.

• Try not to be too brand loyal as some treatments can have the same active ingredient but can differ a lot in price.

• Talk with your vet about a parasite risk assessment for your pet.

Pet Food Banks

• Pet food banks are found across the UK and charities such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross have donation and pick up points.

• Blue Cross has partnered with other organisations around the UK to provide pet food at human food banks across the country.

• Some pet food banks also offer support for dogs, cats and small pets chinchillas, degus, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats.

• Some charities provide volunteer drivers if you are unable to travel.

• Pet food banks can receive items such as pet beds, blankets, litter, collars, leads and pet shampoo. There are virtual maps which show where you can find a pet food bank to visit.

• Always ring before a visit to ensure the pet food bank has what you require.

Where to Donate and Other Ways to Help

• Blue Cross is working with Pets at Home who are taking in donations of pet food at more than 200 stores across the UK.

• The RSPCA has created an Amazon Wishlist which highlights what is most needed.

• Certain charities set up collection bins in supermarkets, sometimes manned by volunteers.

• Try to buy a food that is suitable for sensitive stomachs, not all animals can have all products.

• Get involved in dog walking and dog share schemes.