Almost half (42%) have done this on multiple occasions as a result of this wretched cost of living crisis.

The consequences of this financial strain can be devastating. One in ten pet owners said they would seriously consider giving up their pets if they couldn’t afford medical treatment.

Even more distressing for those individuals, one fifth (20%) say they can simply no longer afford their pet, with the worry of a further bill pushing them over the edge.

For those who do seek care for their pets, the anxiety of mounting medical bills can be overwhelming. Nearly 30% of pet owners in the Co-op and FirstVet research (essentially the 111 of vets) said they would go into debt to pay for treatment, while almost a quarter said they would seek charity help if needed.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealed that the cost of veterinary treatment for pets in the UK has been rising steadily in recent years. The report found that between 2015 and 2020, the average cost of a pet insurance claim increased by 75%. This increase was partly due to advances in veterinary medicine and technology, which have led to more sophisticated treatments and higher costs – but this is little solace for those who are struggling.

Data shows the average vet bill claim is rising to £532.

The financial stress faced by pet owners is often compounded by the guilt they feel for not being able to provide the care their loved ones need. Nearly 30% of pet owners said they feel guilty about letting their pets down, with 21% worried about their pets’ health and a further 14% feeling anxious.

Meanwhile, 22% would take out a loan to cover the costs.

Some 20% don’t go because any additional expenses will tip them over the edge, while 15% are embarrassed that they can’t afford to pay for their pet’s care.

22% of pet owners have taken their animals to the vet two or more times in the last year, with 15% visiting three to five times, and 7% making more than five visits. For those who claim for every visit, the costs can quickly spiral out of control. The top reasons for vet visits include skin conditions, tummy troubles, eye issues, dental problems, fleas, emergency care, bladder issues, and joint pain.

The financial stress faced by pet owners is often compounded by the anxiety many pets feel about visiting the vet. More than half of pets exhibit signs of anxiety when visiting the vet, and 87% say this anxiety stays with them for up to a day or so. This can make it difficult for pet owners to take their animals to the vet even when they know they need to.

Adding to the challenges, many pet owners live far from the nearest vet. Some 23% of pet owners say the only vet they can get to is over five miles away, while 19% do not have access to emergency care. This means that in the event of an emergency, pet owners may not be able to get their animals the care they need in time.

Virtual vet appointments offer a convenient, cost-effective, and less stressful alternative to in-person visits, allowing pet owners to receive advice from a vet quickly and flexibly. By avoiding the need for travel and keeping pets in their familiar environment, virtual appointments can reduce stress levels for both pet owners and pets. With quicker access to veterinary advice and more flexible scheduling, virtual appointments can help ease worries about pets’ health.

Despite these challenges, there are still many dedicated pet owners who are doing everything they can to keep their animals healthy. However, the financial burden can be overwhelming. The table below shows the most commonly claimed pet insurance treatments and their associated costs:

Condition Average Treatment Cost

1 Growth/Tumour £890.08

2 Arthritis £251.04

n/a Diagnosis Not Made £629.48

3 Allergy £292.09

4 Gastro-enteritis £701.88

5 Cruciate Ligaments Condition/Injury £1,642.57

6 Heart Condition £467.14

7 Lameness £513.03

8 Epilepsy/Fits £461.00

9 Poisoning £553.72

10 Cancer £1,019.72

It is clear that the financial strain faced by pet owners in the UK

HELP AVAILABLE

If you are a pet owner in the UK struggling with veterinary bills, there are several options available to you:

1. Charities: There are several charities in the UK that offer financial assistance to pet owners in need. Examples include the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), Blue Cross, and the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). These charities may offer free or discounted veterinary care or financial assistance for specific treatments.

2. Pet insurance: While many pet owners in the UK do not have pet insurance, it can be a good investment for those concerned about unexpected veterinary bills. Pet insurance policies can cover the cost of veterinary care, including emergency care and surgery. Some policies may also cover routine check-ups and preventative treatments.

3. Payment plans: Some veterinary clinics may offer payment plans to pet owners who cannot afford to pay for treatment upfront. These plans allow pet owners to spread the cost of treatment over a set period of time.

4. Government schemes: In some cases, pet owners in the UK may be eligible for financial assistance from the government. For example, if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for help with veterinary costs through the PDSA.

It’s important to remember that if you are struggling to pay for veterinary care for your pet, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you provide the care your pet needs without causing undue financial stress.