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Concerns over rising cost of living on dog welfare
Dogs Trust fears the rising cost of living could lead to an increase in stray and abandoned dogs, as seen following the 2008 recession.
Survey suggests the crisis is making it harder for people to care for their dogs. 

One-third of UK dog owners believe the cost-of-living crisis is making it harder to care for their animals, according to new research.

The survey conducted by Dogs Trust found that two-thirds of UK dog owners feel worried, to some extent, about how they will care for their dog, with 30 per cent either 'very' or 'fairly' worried. 

The biggest concern cited by respondents was how to manage veterinary costs (48%), followed by the rising cost of dog food (17%) and insurance (15%). Interestingly, more than half of non-dog owners said the increasing cost of living would prevent them from adopting or buying a dog.

Dogs Trust said the findings paint a 'gloomy picture' that reflects its own interactions with current and prospective dog owners. The charity has already noted a steady rise in the number of people making the heartbreaking decision to give up their dog.

Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust CEO, also expressed concern that the rising cost of living could lead to an increase in the number of stray and abandoned dogs, as seen in the year following the 2008 recession.

“We know from the experience of the 2008 recession that economic crisis can and will lead to people needing to give up their beloved dogs," he said. "Sadly, many loving dog owners simply won’t be able to afford to keep them. 

"At Dogs Trust we’re rehoming and fostering dogs as quickly as we can - but as soon as we free up a kennel space, there’s a dog to fill it again.”

Mr Sharp added that Dogs Trust had already taken 13,000 calls this year from owners needing to give up their dogs - a 58 per cent rise from the previous year.

“We know that dog owners need immediate help, and we’re working hard to find ways to support them - but it takes time," he continued.  

“If you’re really struggling, please contact Dogs Trust - even if we can’t take in your dog immediately, there may be other types of help we can suggest, like our Hope Project, which aims to keep anyone experiencing a housing crisis and their dog together, and helping people find other services such as pet food banks or local charities that could ease the burden.” 

“We want dog owners to realise that they don’t have to wait until they are in crisis to call us for help.” 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.