Pets are a big part of the family. They live with us for years and to many they are our ‘children’ also known as ‘fur babies’. You would not want to be without them.
Yet in a pet loving country like the UK, owning a pet has become increasingly expensive. To the point of being prohibitive. People delay having children with nursery costs etc, the same can be said for people considering adopting a dog or cat. Some are even having to give up their pets for adoption, one statistic, came out with a figure as high as 13% of UK pet owners.
Cost of adopting a pet. Since lockdown the cost of adopting a puppy more than doubled with the average at £1900. It does depend on the breed and levels of demand. French & English Bulldogs are popular, so are Golden Retrievers as well as Cockapoo’s.
According to PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report 22% of UK pet owners, that equates to 5 million people, have changed how they look after their pets. Some will buy cheaper pet food, cut back on treats and a very small percentage have stopped paying pets insurance.
34% of UK pet owners will cut back on their own luxuries and make personal sacrifices for their pets, such as cut back in heating and their own nutrition.
The high costs of UK vets. It is a £2 billion industry and the charges are ‘eye watering’.
There is a big concern that pet owners are massively overcharged which is being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority . I know someone who takes her dog to a vet in Portugal where her parents live as it is so much cheaper.
Pet insurance is another cost which rises with age, just like with humans. It is always best to shop around if you are looking to insure you dog or cat. Have a look at Money Supermarket. Like any insurance, there are policies which will work better for you and your pet(s).
Renting with a pet in the UK is not easy and Lets with pets is a good source of information, a part of the charity, Dogs Trust.
More and more UK landlords now ask for extra pet rents. With newer developments this is standard and can vary between £20-£50 per pet per month. Some private landlords are asking for extra costs, even though they should not be. In a competitive market they can if you want the property.
On a ‘pawsitive’ note, apart from housing, the UK has become more and more welcoming to pets. Especially dogs, when it comes to shopping, department stores and dog friendly pubs. Have a look at Stay in a Pub if you are looking to travel around the UK with your dog and want to enjoy a typical English pub.
To summarise. Pets bring joy to people’s lives. Pets are good for mental health. Stroking a dog or cat relaxes you. Your dog(s) or cats(s) are loyal to you, so the least you can do is reciprocate that loyalty. Financially for many it is tough. Tougher is the regret. For many pet owners, there is only one decision and for others they will look for a solution.
Just like with children, parents or grandparents are helping people with their pets. That does not have to financially, it can be about providing a temporary ‘roof’ over your head or looking after your pets when you have to be in the office.
I hope this information is helpful. If you’re relocating to the UK with your pets, feel free to join our informative Facebook group, “Relocating to the UK with your Pets”, for more guidance and support.
Russell Hunt, is a leading UK pet friendly property specialist, advising clients on renting and buying properties in and around London as well as other parts of the UK
Have a look at Petsletsrelocation.com or click on this link for a no-obligation call
