Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has today revealed that almost half (45%) of pet parents are cutting back on luxuries in their own lives so their dogs don’t have to.
In fact, 68% say they’d rather go without essentials than have their pooch suffer, proving we really are a nation infatuated with our furry family members.
According to the survey of 1,500 UK dog parents, 81% have noticed an increase in pet-related costs due to the rising cost of living, spurring 54% to reconsider how and what they’re spending their money on. However, despite the soaring expenses, three-quarters (76%) agree that their dog is worth every penny and it doesn’t matter how much they have to spend on them.
In spite of everyone feeling the pinch, dog owners aren’t preventing their pooches from having the best. Whether that means forking out for more nutritious or fresh-ingredient dog food (48%) or “green” pet products (including biodegradable poo bags and products made with recycled materials) (38%), or even gourmet treats (33%), it’s no surprise a quarter (26%) are now spending more on their dog due to the cost-of-living crisis.
And whilst it might sound like a splurge, 77% say food makes their dog happier or healthier, justifying the astronomical costs. A further 70% say treats provide the same stimulation, bettering their dogs lives, whilst toys (60%) and dog boarding (11%) are also worth paying more for.
The research also reveals the plushest pups whose doting owners spend the most on them when it comes to the bare essentials. It seems that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may only be royal in name and not in nature as Miniature Schnauzers, who come out on top, have a whopping £215 more spent on them on average, per year.
Average annual UK spend per breed on essentials*:
- Miniature Schnauzer: £512
- Pug: £428
- Labradoodle: £394
- Beagle: £362
- Golden Retriever: £358
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: £297
- Dachshund: £292
- Border Collie: £292
- Yorkshire Terrier: £291
- Chihuahua: £272
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments: “Despite the rising cost of living, it’s no surprise that owners want to spoil their dogs like they would do with their family and friends. However, there are ways to be savvy with your money and not reduce the quality of life you’re providing to your pet in any way. For example, instead of buying the newest toy on the market, why not create a fun and enriching DIY one? With a little time and effort you can make a snuffle mat out of old cloth and material to hide treats in. Or use coupons where possible on food and treats. Although your dog may not know the difference – your wallet certainly will!
“For those looking to add a fur baby to their brood, I’d advise carful mapping of the costs of the breed and their needs, versus what you can realistically afford before making the commitment of dog ownership. Remember, it’s a big lifestyle change that requires emotional, physical and financial planning and care.”
To find out more about the costs associated with owning a dog, head to: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/cost-of-pet-parenthood/
