Pet owners making incredible sacrifices to prioritise cost of pet care

A recent survey by Rosewood Pet Products into our pet spending habits has revealed that 69% of pet owners sacrifice personal expenditure to accommodate pet care.

Devoted pet parents admitted they cut back by shopping in cheaper supermarkets, giving up takeaways and even dipping into their savings to care for their furry friends.

The survey also revealed that new pet owners found routine vet visits to be the most unexpected cost of pet care, followed by insurance and pet supplies.

Despite the rising cost of living, animal owners still love to spoil their four legged friends with almost half of those surveyed shopping for pet treats on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Pet owners have found their pet’s bed to be the single most expensive purchase. Cat towers and scratchers were found to be the second biggest expense, followed by pet insurance.

Bev Panter, Marketing Director for Rosewood Pet Products added: “We wanted to gain an insight into our pet spending habits, especially at a time when costs are continuing to rise. The results of the survey show just how much our pets mean to us, and the sacrifices we are willing to make to keep them safe and happy. However, pet owners don’t have to struggle, and there are ways to manage pet care costs without having to struggle.”

Rosewood Pet’s top tips for prioritising your pet’s well being without breaking the bank:

1. Daily exercise: Regular exercise by walking your dog at least once a day provides many health benefits, and what’s more, it’s free! Interactive toys are a great way to keep pets active, and they provide hours of entertainment too. You and your pooch can have a great game of throw and fetch with a tennis ball!

2. Groom at home: Grooming appointments don’t come cheap but it’s something pet owners can do at home with the right tools and knowledge! It’s a great way to bond with your furry friend, and it’ll save you money on appointments. Check out our blog filled with tips for home grooming.

3. A balanced diet: It sounds simple, but a well-balanced diet is essential to keep our pets fit and healthy, as well as ensuring they have access to fresh, clean water to stay hydrated. Buying in bulk can work out cheaper, if you are able to.

4. Smart purchasing: There are plenty of sustainable products so think about investment purchases, such as tough toys with a rope core that are likely to last a while.

5. Brush up on good dental hygiene: Prevention is key. Using pet specific toothpaste decreases the risk of infection in a pet’s mouth. Most veterinary practices offer a free dental appointment service for new pet owners, and the nurse will be able to tailor a dental home care plan to your pet.

Veterinary Nurse Meg Richards says there are ways to help manage pet care costs without sacrificing their health and happiness:  “Prevention really is better than cure, and being prepared for unexpected injuries or illnesses can take some of the stress away when you are worrying about your pet.

“Doing your research into an insurance policy that provides a lifetime cover and joining your veterinary practice’s routine health care club would be the best way to keep on top of routine healthcare. Knowing the monthly or annual costs of such plans can also help you budget for an emergency situation if needed.

“Many vet practices also offer free consultations with a nurse, in which you can discuss the care of your pet and provide professional and non-judgmental advice, whatever the circumstance.

“Also, it’s important to remember that your dog or cat just needs to feel loved! As long as you are meeting their welfare needs, and providing a safe home, they will be happy.”