The cost of living crisis
If you're a pet owner who's struggling to cope with the rising costs of food or healthcare, we’ve put together some advice to help.
Before taking on a pet, you should always consider if you will be able to afford the different aspects that come along with caring for an animal such as food, insurance and vet care.
Help with the cost of pet food
Many pet owners find that feeding their animals can be a big expense. A healthy, balanced, complete diet is vital for any animal to keep them healthy.
Pet Aid is our initiative to support people and pets who are struggling. Through Pet Aid, we provide essential food supplies for animals utilising a network of food banks across most of Scotland. Keeping pets and people together is an amazing way to protect animal welfare. Nobody should have to give up their pet because they are unable to afford the items they need.
You can find a list of foodbanks Pet Aid is working with here.
Contact our helpline
Calls to our animal helpline to give up pets more than trebled in 2022. Many people don’t want to give up their animal, but feel they have no choice.
If you need help or advice, you can call our animal helpline in confidence on 03000 999 999. Our helpline is open 7.30am to 9pm March to October and 7.30am to 8pm November to February.
It’s not okay to abandon an animal, but it is okay to talk to us if you feel you are struggling.
Top 10 Advice Tips
1. Seek support from neighbours, relatives or friends to walk your dog if you can longer pay for a dog walker to make sure your dog still gets adequate exercise. Make sure the person you ask is a responsible adult, confident with handling your dog and someone you can trust.
2. Pet food can be incredibly expensive so why not explore whether there is a cheaper food that is still high value and meets your pets' needs. You could mix your regular food with a cheaper brand to make it stretch further. Dry food goes much further than wet food, even though the upfront cost can be higher. Your pet is eating a well-balanced diet that is specific for their species and suitable for their age, lifestyle and health!
Remember: check with your vet before switching your pet's diet.
3. See if it's possible to reduce your visits to a groomer and ask your groomer about things you can do at home between visits to reduce the amount of professional grooming needed.
4. Always buy your pet from a reputable source as that will help reduce the chances of a large vet bill due to poor breeding practices.
5. Shop second-hand for bedding, toys, heat lamps etc.
6. Speak to your vet about options for monthly payment plans if you have a large vet bill that needs paid.
7. Shop around for pet insurance but make sure the cover you choose is adequate and suits your needs (check your excess cover).
8. Speak to your current pet insurance provider and see if they can offer you more affordable options or a payment plan.
9. Look at options for ordering food and supplies in bulk as sometimes that works out cheaper.
10. Make your own pet toys. Use reputable guides from trusted organisations on how you can do this and make sure they are safe and suitable for your chosen pet.
Looking after exotic animals in the cost of living crisis
Despite the increase in the cost of living and energy bills, it's important that you don't turn down temperatures or light sources for your exotic pets. This can lead to serious health problems for exotic animals - and potentially high vet bills in the future.
Exotics can be expensive pets at the best of times as they require specialist care to ensure their needs are met. The majority of exotics, including reptiles, need a carefully controlled environment requiring access to specialised equipment for lighting and 24-hour heating.
Additionally, many exotic animals can live for decades, making ownership a very long-term responsibility for an exotic pet keeper.
Share heat sources
If you're struggling with the costs of heating and lighting for reptiles, move multiple animals into the same room so heat sources do not have to work as hard. Take care that animals do not overheat.
Search for cheaper tariffs or payment plans
Speak to your energy supplier if you're struggling with the energy costs for your pets, as they may be able to offer a cheaper tariff or payment plans.
Shop second-hand
You might be able to find second-hand equipment for sale such as heat lamps or UV light tubes. Use a thermometer or solarmeter to check that they're still giving out the right levels of heat or light, as they can wear out over time.
Invest in pet insurance
Insurance is very important when owning a pet. Unexpected vet bills can cause stress and take a toll on your finances. It’s always worth shopping around for pet insurance and ensuring that you are taking out the correct cover to meet your pet’s needs.
Keeping on top of preventative care such as worming and flea treatments will help as these problems can often become expensive if not dealt with straight away.
If your animal does have a medical issue, talk to your vet about lower-cost treatment alternatives. These options often have good results although may come with more uncertainty – your vet will be able to fully explain any alternative
You may be able to spread the cost of treatment. Some veterinary practices offer payment plans through a credit company so it’s worth asking if this payment option is available. You may wish to get independent advice before using a credit company.
Doggy day care
Doggy day care can be a big expense. If you haven’t already, why not ask trusted family or friends to look after your pet while you are at work? Studies have shown that having a pet around can have a positive impact on your mental health and can also combat loneliness, so it may be a win-win situation for your chosen pet sitter too!
If you would like to volunteer with our Pet Aid service or you are a food bank looking to come on board, you will find all the information here.