Yahoo Finance The 10,000 pets suffering in our cost-of-living crisis
Even pets are suffering. Here’s the sad reality and how to help.
It's one of the saddest updates to come across my desk in this cost-of-living crisis - more than 8,000 pets are now looking for a loving home, and that's predicted to hit 10,000 by year's end as rising household bills and tighter budgets leave many owners with no option but to give up their furry friend.
Compare those figures to this time last year and you’ll see the number of pets waiting for adoption has gone up 13 per cent, with owners citing job losses and having to move for work or accommodation as the main reasons for giving up their pet, according to petrescue.com.au, the biggest pet-adoption platform and most-visited charity website in Australia.
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My heart goes out to not just the animals but also the owners in this devastating situation. And the awful truth, says the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, is that an estimated 100,000 healthy pets are tragically killed in Australian pounds each year.
The sad reality is that many households can no longer afford to keep their pet. But, before giving yours up, take a look at these pet cost-cutting hacks that could help keep your finances tight. Perhaps you could even rescue one too?
3 tips to cut your pet costs
Though you want your furry friend to have the best, there aren't many human Aussies eating top-shelf right now. Here are three ways that economising Australians are protecting their pooches and other pets, with the help of intel from online pet supplies store Pet Circle:
1. Buy in bulk where possible, and ask for a better price. If you don’t ask, you don’t receive, and many retailers will price match.
2. Plan for pet expenses and estimate the cost of regular outlays including food, medication, health checks, toys and treats over the course of a year. Divide this by 52 to work out how much to put aside each week. Of course, you could also buy pet insurance but watch the exclusions and carve-outs.
3. Don’t employ false economy but keep up with preventative care. Small things like flea treatments and worming, as well as vet checks, catch health issues early and ultimately save money.
Pet Circle has entered a three-year partnership with PetRescue, to assist with raising awareness of pets in need of adoption and to help all pet parents succeed with keeping their pets. So, with all that in mind, might you be able to put your hand up and rescue a pet this Christmas?
The pets in need of a new home
The pets up for adoption at petrescue.com.au range from eight-week-old kittens to 17-year-old dogs. Large dogs and bonded pets are least likely to be adopted. But, even in those difficult circumstances, for new owners, rescue pets can surprise you. Take 16-year-old Siamese cat Siska.
After the sad passing of her elderly owner, and her owner's family doing their best to look after her, it was clear Siska needed a lasting home. As the days went by, she became more and more withdrawn, grieving the loss of her owner.
Temporary foster carer Nell cared for Siska for an interim time, helping her regain her confidence. Then, proven to be in good health for her age, she was listed for adoption on the Home2Home platform, and Diana, who had recently lost one of her Siamese cats, came across Siska’s profile.
Diana saw a potential friend for her 12-year-old Siamese, Lulu, who had faced a similar loss.
It was a poignant echo and Diana decided to adopt Siska. Now, in their new home, Siska and Lulu are making the most of their later years. Together, they’ve found solace and companionship, proving it's never too late for a fresh start.
So, instead of just watching movies about Santa saving Christmas, if it’s suitable and your finances can stretch, please consider ‘rescuing’ Christmas for a pet.
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon is the author of How to Get Mortgage-Free Like Me, available at www.nicolessmartmoney.com. Follow Nicole on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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