The latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2023 found 85% of Welsh pet owners say the cost of owning their pet has increased. Additionally, 34% of Welsh pet owners are making personal cost savings to continue to care for their pet – including reducing energy consumption, cancelling or not going on holidays and, in some cases, going without basic necessities such as food.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, many owners are finding it harder than ever to care for their pets. No pet should have to go hungry, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets. Families should also not have to make the heartbreaking decision to part with their beloved companions or sacrifice vital vet care solely because of financial worry.
Companion Animal Welfare Group Wales have put together this briefing for me to share with my constituents.
About Them
The Companion Animal Welfare Group Wales’ aim is to improve the welfare of companion animals in Wales. Established in 2018, the group includes Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, PDSA, The Kennel Club, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, as well as two associate members, The Dog Breeding Reform Group and Friends of the Animals Wales. These organisations provide services and support to thousands of companion animals across Wales.
Pet Food Banks
Some member organisations have launched networks of pet food banks. Welcoming everyone, the teams will not ask anyone who visits a pet food bank for proof of need of any kind.
Blue Cross has pet food banks available at the Blue Cross Newport Rehoming, Advice and Behaviour Unit, Cardiff Foodbank, Coed Mawr Community Centre, Pontypridd Foodbank, and Swansea Trussell Trust Food Bank. Dogs Trust has opened a temporary food bank in its Cardiff rehoming centre.
Blue Cross has also partnered with organisations across Wales to provide pet food at food banks across Wales, but owners will need to contact their local food bank to find out about how to get help.
Vulnerable cat owners and those suffering financial hardship can access cat food through Cats Protection’s Community Kitty project, which is available at Cats Protection’s Bridgend Adoption Centre.
Changing Pets’ Diets
If an owner needs to switch their pet’s diet to a cheaper option, they should look for food that is labelled as complete, suitable for their pet’s species and life stage, and make any change gradually to avoid upset stomachs. If a pet is on a special diet for medical reasons, owners should always consult with their pet’s vet before switching.
Pet Welfare
Many owners are concerned about their pets’ welfare as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Due to pressure on household finances, owners are unable to pay for basic pet welfare needs including behavioural training, pet grooming, or dog walking and care services. Whilst cutting costs, it is important owners ensure they always meet their pets’ 5 Welfare Needs: health, behaviour, companionship, diet, and a suitable environment.
There are plenty of ways owners can cut costs whilst maintaining their pets’ health and happiness. Simple methods include: pet owners learning to groom at home, putting short bursts of time aside each day and using positive rewards to practice basic training such as recall, maintaining a healthy weight in their pet, and keeping up to date with preventative care to reduce the chances of needing potentially costly veterinary treatment further down the line.
Vet Care
YouGov data commissioned by Dogs Trust in March 2023 found 36% of respondents were concerned the rising cost of living would impact their ability to care for their dogs over the next 12 months. Among Welsh respondents, 61% identified vet bills as their main concern. Should pets become ill or injured, there are many services available to help with the cost of vet care.
PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, offers free and low-cost veterinary treatment to the pets of eligible owners at their two Pet Hospitals in Wales, in Swansea and Cardiff. Owners receiving benefits who live within the postcode catchment area of one of their Pet Hospitals should qualify for PDSA help. If owners do not live near a PDSA Pet Hospital but do receive benefits, they may be eligible for the PDSA Pet Care scheme, which provides discounted care at private veterinary practices. More information about how to access this support is available on the PDSA’s website.
The Hope Project, run by Dogs Trust, supports dog owners who are either at risk of or experiencing homelessness across the UK. The Hope Project provides free vet care for dog owners and works with homelessness services to support them to become dog-friendly via the Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme. More information about accessing support from the Hope Project is available here.
Cats Protection recommends people get their cats neutered to prevent unwanted litters and provide certain health benefits. Cats Protection offers a low-cost neutering scheme to eligible owners, which would enable them to get their cat neutered and microchipped for £10.
Owners who are registered at private vet practices should have an open and transparent conversation with the team there to chat through any financial options they may have, including payment plans or support funds.
Giving Up a Pet
The cost-of-living crisis is causing incredible stress and anxiety for many people across Wales. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many people having to make the painful decision to consider giving up their pet for rehoming, or even put to sleep.
Blue Cross’s Newport rehoming centre currently has between 40 and 50 pets on its waiting list in need of foster or centre space, but both are in short supply. Dogs Trust’s centres in Bridgend and Cardiff are similarly stretched, with waiting lists for dogs to be given up.
Blue Cross is currently supplying pet food to many pets on the waiting list until spaces become available, as the owners have often come to Blue Cross for financial reasons.
If an owner has to make the difficult decision to give up their pet, they can find a reputable rehoming organisation through the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes. Dogs Trust also provides advice about the process of giving up a dog and alternative options that may help owners stay together with their pets.
Further Information
Our members also have advice on the cost-of-living crisis available on their websites:
If you would like any further information, please contact info@cawgw.co.uk.