Report highlights growing pressures facing UK households.
Veterinary charity PDSA has warned of a “looming” pet health crisis as the UK cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.
The warning follows the release of the charity’s inaugural Pet Health Inequality Report, which suggests that ‘petflation’ (the rising cost of pet ownership) is placing increasing pressure on households.
The report reveals that over 20 per cent of UK pet owners find the cost of care higher than anticipated, with many being forced to choose between essential bills or treating their sick pet.
Responding to the findings, PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said the charity is determined to scale its efforts to meet the rising demand.
"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”
She added: “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."
Additional findings from the report show that two in three UK pet owners would be unable to cover an unexpected surgery for their pet.
Just over one in 10 UK pet owners have gone into debt to care for their pets, while even more (11%) have delayed a trip to the vet. According to the PDSA, this means around three million pets may not have received timely pet care.
Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a consumer psychologist, believes that pet health inequality impacts human wellbeing as much as animal welfare:
"It’s no overstatement to say pets are a lifeline for millions of Britons: offering comfort, connection and unconditional love. This is why it is upsetting to hear about the stark choices people are facing as the cost-of-living crisis and ‘petflation’ mounts.
“It has an impact on the owners' own wellbeing, as well as that of their pets. People don't want to cut back on food or healthcare for their pets, because they want to do the best for them. That means they suffer financially and emotionally, as they have to make difficult choices in order to cope."
Image (C) PDSA/Peter Alvey.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
