A leading animal charity has urged prospective pet owners to consider the financial impact that welcoming a dog into their home can have, after warning that the cost of a four-legged friend can easily run into the thousands.
Battersea estimates that the approximate cost of owning a dog in the UK is now around £2,000 each year, totalling £26,000 over the lifetime of the average canine companion. The charity has advised those who are considering getting a dog to think about whether they will be able to afford their pet in the long term.
The money spent towards caring for a dog can quickly add up, with owners having to fork out for the likes of food and treats, poo bags, toys and other accessories, as well as pricier long-term costs to keep their dog happy and healthy. This includes grooming, regular vet check-ups and pet insurance, as well as potentially paying for a dog walker or sitter, The Mirror reports.
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With the cost of living crisis forcing many households to make tough choices, some may sadly be left unable to afford to care for their pooch. Battersea has cautioned potential new owners to assess their financial situation first, so that they don’t end up having to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their dog down the line.
Dogs Trust said that they had received 18,000 calls so far this year from distraught owners who no longer had the money to keep their beloved dogs. “Owners are having to make decisions between heating their homes, feeding their children or giving up their dog,” the Trust's Adam Clowes revealed.
Rob Young, head of centre operations at Battersea, said: "Faced with rising food and energy prices, for many UK households the current environment is a challenging one. Given this, it's really important that people are fully informed about the costs associated with owning a dog – equipping yourself with this knowledge in advance will help ensure a happier, less stressful experience for both you and your dog.”
Battersea also advised that owners who are struggling with rising costs can take some measures to save money when it comes to looking after their pup. This can include changing dog food brands to a cheaper option that still meets their pet’s needs, making dog treats and enrichment toys at home rather than splashing out on shop-bought ones, and ordering medication online rather than buying it directly from their vet.
But they warned that there are some important areas where owners should avoid cutting corners - including insurance. “While some owners may see pet insurance as a nice-to-have additional expense, it protects you from facing thousands of pounds in vet bills should your dog fall ill or have an accident,” Rob advised.
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