A survey conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that over a third of dog owners have altered their household lifestyle due to financial pressures stemming from the cost-of-living crisis. Approximately 12.4 percent reported a negative impact on how they care for their dogs.

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The results highlight the extent of devotion among pet owners, even in extreme financial hardship; some people experiencing homelessness choose to forgo shelter rather than be separated from their pets. Charity Street Paws notes that many remain on the streets because temporary accommodations often do not accept animals. Their No One Left Outside campaign advocates for housing services to support both people and their pets.

The RVC study surveyed 770 UK dog owners who acquired puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the survey conducted between November 2022 and January 2024 when the dogs were roughly three years old. Researchers examined expenditures across 14 areas of pet care, including food, grooming, insurance, and veterinary treatment.

Dr. Rowena Packer, a senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare science at the RVC, indicated that while many owners view their dogs as family members, financial constraints have influenced their care decisions. Owners reported being nearly three times more likely to feel the crisis’s effects on their lifestyle than on their dogs’ care.

The survey revealed some concerning trends: 21.2 percent of respondents reported canceling planned dog training or being less likely to seek professional training advice. Additionally, 16.6 percent indicated changes to insurance, such as reducing coverage or canceling policies, while 15.7 percent were using dog walkers or daycare services less frequently or switching to cheaper options. About 15.6 percent reduced visits to professional groomers due to rising costs.

Among owners whose dogs experienced health issues in the last nine months, 14.8 percent reported negative changes in seeking veterinary care, including delaying appointments or utilizing home remedies. Furthermore, 8.8 percent indicated alterations in how they sought behavioral support, and 10.8 percent expected to make detrimental changes to their dog's care in the upcoming months.

Dr. Packer emphasized the limits of how much owners can absorb increased costs, stating that financial strain significantly impacts decisions regarding their pets’ care. She advocated for better access to essential veterinary and behavioral support for pet owners during times of financial hardship to prevent more severe welfare issues.

The study was funded by Battersea and is part of the RVC’s ongoing Pandemic Puppies research initiative. Simona Zito, grants and programmes manager at Battersea, remarked that understanding the pressures on pet owners can inform better support and improve dog welfare during challenging times.

Street Paws continues to push for policy changes to ensure that people with pets can find housing solutions that allow them to remain with their animals.