Cost of living crisis for pet owners
How to Keep Vet Bills Down
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• Consider pet insurance and try to keep up with this
• Ask your vet if you can split the cost over monthly payments (check eligibility)
• Think ahead, prevention is important
How To Keep Your Pet Well
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Keep flea and worm treatments up-to-date
- Brush their teeth if you can
- Consider pet insurance
- Don’t take risks with your pets. Bones can get lodged in their stomach or fracture their teeth which can result in large bills.
- Make sure toys you are giving your animals are appropriate for their size.
Financial Support for Flea or Worming Treatments
• Lots of vets offer a plan which is a monthly cost which covers vaccinations, nail clipping, flea worming etc. Dividing it into a monthly direct debit payment in case of a big bill offers a saving.
• Try not to be too brand loyal as some treatments can have the same active ingredient but can differ a lot in price.
• Talk with your vet about a parasite risk assessment for your pet.
Pet Food Banks
• Pet food banks are found across the UK and charities such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross have donation and pick up points.
• Some pet food banks also offer support for dogs, cats and small pets chinchillas, degus, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats.
• Some charities provide volunteer drivers if you are unable to travel.
• Pet food banks can receive items such as pet beds, blankets, litter, collars, leads and pet shampoo. There are virtual maps which show where you can find a pet food bank to visit.
• Always ring before a visit to ensure the pet food bank has what you require.
Where to Donate and Other Ways to Help
• Blue Cross is working with Pets at Home who are taking in donations of pet food at more than 200 stores across the UK.
• The RSPCA has created an Amazon Wishlist which highlights what is most needed.
• Certain charities set up collection bins in supermarkets, sometimes manned by volunteers.
• Try to buy a food that is suitable for sensitive stomachs, not all animals can have all products.
• Get involved in dog walking and dog share schemes.