"“These changes may have important implications for canine health and welfare over the longer term" - Dr Rowena Packer. 
 

The changes could have important implications for canine welfare.

Dog owners are cutting back on professional behaviour and training advice as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, according to new research.

The study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) also found that many owners are reducing their dog’s insurance cover and limiting grooming services in an effort to save money.

Researchers say their findings highlight the importance of making sure owners can access support long before economic hardship leads to more serious welfare issues.

Dr Rowena Packer, senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare science at the RVC and senior author of the study, said: “These changes may have important implications for canine health and welfare over the longer term. Helping owners access essential veterinary, preventive and behavioural support during periods of financial hardship could help prevent much more serious welfare problems.”

In the study, researchers surveyed 770 UK owners of dogs bought as puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic to see how the cost-of-living crisis has affected household finances and dog care. They found that, despite more than a third of owners reporting a negative impact on their household spending, over 80 per cent made no changes to how they cared for their dogs.

But while this suggests many owners are cutting back on their own lifestyle to protect their pets, researchers are concerned that continued financial pressure could put canine health at risk.

A total of 10.8 per cent of respondents anticipated the need to make potentially negative changes to their dog’s care during the six months following the survey, with some of those owners having already cut back on services including professional training, insurance, grooming and veterinary care.

Some 21 per cent of owners reported cancelling planned dog training or being less likely to seek professional training advice, while 16.6 per cent reported reducing their level of pet insurance cover. The study also found that many owners are spending more time searching online before seeking veterinary advice, using home remedies or cancelling or delaying a planned visit.

Simona Zito, grants and programmes manager at Battersea, which funded the study, said: "This research reinforces why access to advice, preventive care and behavioural support matters so much, and we'll continue to look at how we and the wider sector can help owners keep their dogs healthy and happy, even when times are tough.”