Pet owners in the UK who are struggling financially could be able to receive support from the following organisations.
In addition to reaching out to veterinary clinics and animal charities, here are some tips that may help you save money on pet care without sacrificing the quality of your pet’s life.
Dog sitting and dog walking services are expensive. BorrowMyDoggy is a service that helps you connect with local dog borrowers at a low-cost. It’s a great solution for dog owners who have days when they can’t spend much time with their pets. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a pet’s long-term health.
Stores like Pets at Home, Costco, and Zooplus have sections on their website where you can shop for bulk deals. You pay more upfront but save on the long run by buying pet supplies and pet foods in bulk.
Switching your pet’s diet to low-quality pet food will only increase the risk of your pet developing health problems. Certain types of cheap pet food may also ‘deceive’ customers with its appearance. Cheap kibbles, for example, may look bigger but that’s only because they either have a lot of fillers or many air pockets. Eating such foods won’t make your pet feel as satisfied.
There are many ways you can reduce the chances of your pet getting sick. Eating foreign objects, for example, is one of the most common ways pets fall sick and suffer from life-threatening condition like bloat. You can prevent this from happening by storing away any inedible objects (small enough for the pet to swallow) and keeping them out of your pet’s reach. You can also do some research and find out what is or isn’t safe for dogs to eat.
There could be other financial options available for those who need urgent assistance. If your financial burden is temporary, interest-free loans might be an appropriate option as long as you can pay it back in the required timeframe. CareFreeCredit is one place worth checking out. It’s also worth reaching out to your vet as they may offer interest-free financing. Other options include Boutell Loans & Omacl Loans, or debt charities such as StepChange.
Vet visits are expensive but it’s cheaper in the long-run to catch potential health issues early on. Ideally, you should have your pet assessed by the vet at least once a year. Ask around in your local pet community to see who they trust.