Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has pledged to ramp up its financial support for pet owners who cannot afford essential veterinary care, after finding that one in 10 UK pet owners have had to scale back on their own food, heating and essential travel to cover pet ownership.
In its first ever Pet Health Inequality Report, the veterinary charity found that more one in seven respondents have been forced to miss out on non-essentials such as socialising in the last two years, while nearly one in 20 have skipped heating their homes to afford the cost of animal care.
The organisation said a “pet health inequality crisis” is looming in the UK, as ‘petflation’ – the rising cost of pet care – is compounded by the wider cost living crisis.
Their research indicates that one in five UK pet owners said pet ownership is more expensive than they thought, leading to situations where some are faced with making “difficult and sometimes devastating decisions”.
The group’s study revealed that two in three participants would be unable to pay for an unexpected surgery for their pet which for some, means letting their companions go.
It additionally showed that one in 10 have entered into debt to take care of bills, while around one in nine have delayed a trip to the vet and placed their animals at risk.
Meanwhile, half of pet owners said their pet has been a “lifeline” when navigating difficult times, with three in five saying pet ownership improves their mental health.
Owners also pointed to feelings of shame, embarrassment and judgement if they can’t keep their pet completely safe and happy, some afraid that their pet could be taken away from them.
About one in seven said they feel like a bad pet owner when they have to select cheaper options for their pet’s care, whilst one in 10 said they worry people would judge them if they see them struggling to afford services.
PDSA’s aim is to keep people and pets together by offering economic support for owners who cannot afford the cost of treatment.
In the last year, the charity treated over 422,000 pets and helped more than 339,000 clients across its network of over 40 Pet Hospitals.
PDSA director general, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Whilst this is very sad to hear, it’s not surprising. PDSA has been helping people and pets for more than 100 years, and we know our work is needed as much today as it ever was. The reality for many pet owners is life looks very different compared to five years ago. Anyone’s circumstances can change because of illness, redundancy, or just the increased cost of living.
“We will continue to be there for the people and pets who need us most and the report we’ve released today is a rally cry to the public to help us do so. No pet should suffer because their owner is experiencing financial hardship.”
