Avoid Pet Debt: Love Your Pets but Don’t Break the Bank

 

The UK has long been considered a nation of animal lovers – and long may that continue. Caring for animal companions is proven to benefit mental health and even have a positive impact on physical health. That’s from lowering blood pressure and relieving stress, to getting you out and about and getting your steps in. Caring for pets is also a great lesson in responsibility for children.

It’s undeniable that pets bring happiness, even purpose, to our lives. But they’re rarely cheap – and that’s when everything is going well. What happens when caring for them starts to dig deep into your finances?

At UK Debt Service, we’ve seen a rise in what’s being called “pet debt.” That’s when the cost of caring for pets tips people into financial difficulty. It is, sadly, a lot more common than you may imagine, and especially around the school holidays, when pet boarding and care costs spike. As if holidays aren’t already expensive enough…

We have a responsibility to our pets, and that means caring for them well. So, let’s talk honestly about how to look after your pets properly – on a budget – and how to avoid the financial pitfalls that could leave you struggling.

What Is “Pet Debt?”

It’s a fact that looking after our animals can be costly – and we don’t just mean horses. Even small animals incur costs that mount up and people really need to do a lot of research before committing to pet ownership. Pet debt is when people struggle with the costs of pet care and could mean:

• Borrowing money or using credit cards to pay for vet bills, grooming, or boarding
• Using credit cards or buy-now-pay-later for pet food and care
• Falling behind on household bills because of unexpected pet costs

In short, it’s when the cost of your pet’s care starts to put a strain on your finances.

Holiday? Consider the Cost of Pet Care

School holidays and summer breaks often mean one more expense: kennels, catteries, or pet sitters. As demand for these services has grown, so have the average prices. We asked around on some of our local groups and it’s a lot.

• Dog boarding: £25–£45 per night
• Cattery: £10–£20 per night
• Rabbit and small animal boarding: £6-10 per animal.
• In-home pet sitters: £40–£70+ per night
• Full livery (small horse or pony): £20+ per day

That could be £200+ for pet care – per pet – for a week away – on top of the already considerable costs of holidays and travel. Many people aren’t prepared for this sudden extra bill, and it can tip an already-tight budget over the edge.

Can we Do Pet Care on a Budget?

Pets do cost money, that’s an inescapable fact. Most of us would agree that they’re worth it. We owe it to them to care for them properly – anything less is unfair and sometimes even cruel. However, there are some ways to save on the costs – and if you have any clever suggestions to add to these, please let us know.

Plan Ahead for Holidays

Budget for pet care as an essential part of your holiday planning – not as an afterthought. If you have family or friends who can take care of your pets, that’s great – but ensure you trust them to care properly and that they know what to do in an emergency. Check your insurance, too. Trusted friends or family might be happy to help for free (or at least in exchange for something like a meal, bottle of wine, or a return favour). You could even explore trusted house-sitting websites like TrustedHousesitters, where verified sitters look after your pet in exchange for accommodation. Again, make sure your home insurance cover is appropriate.

DIY Isn’t Necessarily Neglect

So long as it’s all done properly and carefully, there’s lots you can DIY. You can still give your pet a happy, healthy life without luxury grooming or branded toys.

• Make your own dog treats (plenty of simple online recipes)
• Rotate toys instead of buying new ones
• Groom at home with YouTube tutorials and basic tools. Quite a big caveat here, though – certain breeds of dog, for example, the popular poodle crosses, may need specialist grooming otherwise they’re likely to get matted. Don’t assume grooming is the same for all dogs. Extra care is required for nail clipping too – and remember, lots of lead walking on pavements can help keep nails down.
• Rabbits and guinea pigs could have very fine sandpaper on a small area or ramp in their hutch to keep their nails down.
• Use old blankets, duvets or fleeces to make pet bedding
• DIY livery, although hard work, is much cheaper that full or even part livery for horses. You could also look into working livery with a riding school or finding a sharer/part loaner who’ll contribute financially. Again, we’re going to mention insurance…

Stick to a Feeding Budget

Many branded pet foods are costly. Have a look at whether you can buy in bulk – larger bags of pet food often offer better value and some of the pet food companies will offer discounts on subscriptions. Unless you have a dog or other pet with a particularly delicate digestive system, or health condition, you could try supermarket own-brand pet foods  – many are approved by vets, and all should meet full nutritional standards.

Also, don’t fall into the trap of overfeeding or constantly giving branded treats – it’s costly and not good for your pet’s health. Many dogs will be happy with carrot batons for treats, with cheese or baked ox liver for training rewards.

What About Expensive Vet’s Bills?

Unexpected vet bills are a big reason for pet-related borrowing, and we get it. If your pet is ill, or has an accident, you have to do your very best for them. Crossing your fingers simply isn’t enough, but there are some ways to at least try and mitigate the costs. You can:

• Take out pet insurance – but shop around carefully for what’s covered. Check the small print and ensure the policy is fit for purpose.
• Could you consider savings instead of insurance? Perhaps put aside £10–£ (or more if you can afford it) every month into a “pet fund.” At least this way, if it’s not needed, you haven’t spent it. If you can put it into premium bonds, you may even win a little back.
• Check if you’re eligible for free or subsidised vet care from charities such as the

PDSA (for people on low incomes in receipt of certain benefits), the Blue Cross or RSPCA clinics.

You could also sign up to your vet’s health plan, or pet club, if they offer one. This is often cheaper than pay-as-you-go vaccinations, flea treatment and worming tablets and usually includes additional benefits.

Pet Debt Pitfalls to Avoid

Many people adopt or buy pets without a full understanding of the long-term costs.  It’s often only when a crisis hits (a sick pet, or a need for urgent boarding) that people suddenly realise the potential costs. The RSPCA estimate that the average cost of keeping a dog or cat in the UK is around £500–£1,500+, depending on breed, health and lifestyle. We think it could be considerably more – and that’s without any vet treatments. Do your research. If you can’t afford a dog, perhaps you could help out in a shelter, walk a neighbour’s dog, or volunteer for a charity such as the Cinnamon Trust?

If unexpected costs do crop up, don’t be tempted to pile them on your credit card ‘just this once’ unless there’s no alternative. If you’re already juggling bills, putting a big bill on a credit card could start a spiral of interest charges and further debt. On the other hand, don’t avoid visiting the vet just to save money. Apart from the fact it’s potentially cruel, this can backfire – small issues can become big (and expensive) if left untreated. Speak to your vet if money’s tight – they won’t want to see an animal suffer and may be able to offer a payment plan or direct you to local support schemes.

It’s OK to Ask for Help

Let’s keep dogs’ tails wagging and cats purring. If you’re struggling with debt or money stress, pet-related or not – we’re here to help. We won’t judge. You’re not alone, and there are real, practical steps we can take together. We can also signpost you to specific organisations who can help.

Contact us today.