Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Millions of pets in the UK could be just one vet bill away from being surrendered or rehomed, new research by the Blue Cross charity has revealed.
Surveying 2,100 dog and cat owners, the national pet charity showed that an unexpected vet bill of £600 would be unaffordable for one in five owners (20%), rising to almost half (46%) if charges reached £3,500.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said they would need to borrow money or go into debt to pay for essential veterinary services.
The study indicated that 34% of pet owners nationwide are struggling or gravely concerned about the cost of keeping their pet due to climbing food, energy and utility bills, with Newcastle, Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester being the hardest hit.
One in ten owners said they had already given up their dog due to mounting costs, while almost half (48%) thought they would make this choice soon.
One in four owners said they are feeding their pets less due to financial strain, while more than a quarter (26%) have delayed or avoided visiting the vet.
On the other hand, close to a quarter (23%) of respondents said they have gone without food for their pets, while 18% reported cutting back on heating.
Blue Cross carried out this study on dog and cat owners as it is faced with a striking rise in dogs and cats in its care, with the number of dogs and cats arriving at one of its rehoming centres rising by 122% and 80% respectively over the past four years.
The charity suggested the country finds itself in “a hidden pet welfare crisis”, and warned rehoming teams could face even more pressure as food, welfare and vet charges continue to increase.
Blue Cross operates pet food banks in Sheffield, Exeter, Newport, Bicester and Manchester. Supported by Pets at Home, it collaborates with more than 500 food banks across the country to help keep pets fed and with their families.
It also offers low-cost vet care to pets whose owners receive particular means-tested benefits and live within the catchment area of one of its four animal hospitals, and works with private vets with its Veterinary Care Fund to help reduce treatment charges for pet owners who can’t afford them.
