Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th November 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

One in ten dog owners forced into debt, survey finds
The situation is set to get worse, as costs soar and owners struggle to afford pet care costs.

Concerning results from Dogs Trust cost of living survey

More than one in 10 dog owners have been forced into debt in order to care for their dog, a new survey from Dogs Trust has found.

Carried out by YouGov last week, the survey found that 13 per cent of dog owners were forced into debt to care for their dog, while 33 per cent of owners would be forced to borrow money if met with an unexpected veterinary bill of £100.

With Dogs Trust centres already at capacity, and other animal charities similarly stretched, Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, shared his worries: “It’s hugely worrying that dog owners are falling into debt with the cost of looking after their dogs, and a stark indicator of how seriously the cost of living crisis is impacting on our dog-loving nation.

“We’re not laying the blame at the door of vets, who are themselves impacted by rising costs, leading to higher fees. 

“But we have a situation in which many of the UK’s dog owners are having to make cost-cutting decisions that could be harmful to their dog’s health, such as skipping vaccines and worming treatments, and some dogs are missing emergency treatment because their owners can’t afford it.”

Other concerning figures from the survey showed that 84 per cent of dog owners have experienced a rise in costs associated with keeping their dog in the last six months, 77 per cent said that their pet food had increased in price, 43 per cent told the charity that the cost of routine vet appointments has increased.

The increase in the cost of living has already forced dog owners to make difficult decisions about their dogs' care, with one in 10 saying that they had delayed seeking veterinary treatment for non-routine procedures, and nine per cent had delayed or missed routine appointments.

Owen continued: “I’m really worried that, despite our best efforts, the sector will reach a point where we’ve reached the limit of what we can do, and we’ll be forced to turn away dogs in need.”

 

Image (C) Dogs Trust

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.