UK pet owners are continuing to prioritise pet health despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to a new survey from the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
The survey of 1,500 nationally-representative pet owners carried out by Kantar in December 2022 found that, when people were asked to prioritise their spending, visits to the vet were ranked third at 79%, only after energy and food and above rent/mortgage.
When asked how people had been reducing their spending, only 7% said they had cut back on veterinary visits, along with 9% on pet health plans and 10% on pet insurance. These were low in the list to face cuts, with buying clothes top at 56%.
Not surprisingly, those who consistently struggle with finances were more likely to have been forced to cut spending on their pets’ health. The survey showed people’s financial situation had a significant impact on vaccination in the past year, with those struggling most with the cost-of-living the least likely to have had their pet vaccinated in the past 12 months (only 47%, compared to 73% of those saying they are financially comfortable). Cat owners are twice as likely as dog owners not to vaccinate, and older pets are significantly less likely to be vaccinated.
Speaking at the recent Kisaco Animal Health, Nutrition and Technical Innovation meeting in London, NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard explained: “The impact is greater for younger pet owners, those who describe themselves as having been highly affected by the cost-of-living crisis and those who may have additional responsibilities like a member of their household having a vulnerable immune system.
“As well as the squeeze on our finances, there have also been changes to people’s lifestyles, as many people are spending more time out of the home post-pandemic lockdowns and challenges still exist around finding pet-friendly rental accommodation. We know that the younger age group are more likely to have become pet owners during the covid pandemic.
“In spite of these challenges, we were very pleased to see that ensuring pets get veterinary treatment remains a priority.”
She added: “Those pet owners in our survey that state they may struggle to look after their pets also agree their pets support their mental health and that they don’t know what they would do without their pet.”
