New figures just released in the PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report, known as the PAW Report, show that more pet owners than ever are concerned about the cost of caring for their pets.
Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, two-fifths of people said that owning a pet is more expensive than they expected, with the majority agreeing that the cost of owning a pet has increased since 2023 and more than half (51%) say they are worried about the cost of vet care for their pet.
PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said,
“As we head into winter, thousands of families across the UK are continuing to face the harsh reality of rising living costs and once again, we’re hearing that many people are having to make difficult decisions just to stay afloat.
“We often hear about people being forced to choose between heating and eating, but this winter, a heartbreaking new dilemma is becoming more common, with many of the people we support telling us they are choosing between heating, eating and whether to take their sick or injured pet to the vet for treatment. We’ve welcomed the CMA investigation and initial findings which we hope will help the veterinary profession work with pet owners to address some of these concerns, but veterinary costs are of course only one part of the picture.
“It’s a terrible choice for anyone to have to make and we all know just how much our pets mean to us, and the lengths we will go to, to make sure they are safe and happy. It’s so saddening to hear that this is becoming an issue for more and more people every year.
“I’m proud that PDSA is able to take that terrible choice away for many – supporting hundreds of thousands of pet owners each year, but we are seeing unprecedented need for our services. In 2008, demand for our services increased by a phenomenal 50% as the economic crisis plunged many people into financial hardship. Again in 2020, during the initial phase of the pandemic, we saw a surge in demand, with an 81% increase in enquiries from owners eligible to access PDSA’s services.
“In the following years, since the cost of living crisis emerged in the UK in 2021, we’ve continued to see high demand from people seeking out our services, as well as a substantial increase in people who would be eligible for our free services. And with pet ownership on the increase, next year we expect to treat around 450,000 pets at a cost of over £85m.
“For many people we support, their pet is not just an animal, it’s their family, their lifeline, often their only source of companionship. More than 4 in 10 of the people we support live alone, over half are aged 55 or older, and a further 37% are disabled or living with serious health conditions. For many, a pet’s unconditional love is a huge part of their world.
“We believe no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and caring for their best friend and we work hard to make sure they never have to. Providing veterinary care and thereby keeping people and pets together is the best solution for everyone, and with the support from the public we will be able to continue to do this, for another 100 years.”
Laura Atherton and her dog, Poppy the Bichon Frise
One owner who began to feel the strain when ongoing vet costs became unaffordable, turned to PDSA for help.
Laura Atherton (37) lives alone and has a disability, and describes her dog, nine-year-old Bichon Frise named Poppy as her “whole world”.
In the lead-up to last Christmas, Laura noticed that Poppy wasn’t her normal self. Describing that time, Laura said: “Poppy seemed a little down. It was nearing December, so I thought it might be the winter blues with it being cold, dark, and miserable outside. Then, suddenly, she became incontinent with her wee. Her whole demeanour changed, and she was distressed.
“She was drinking a lot too and panting even when resting. It seemed like she was anxious or too hot, but she wasn’t overheating and had never been a nervous dog.”
Laura took Poppy to her local private vets where she’s registered to determine what may be wrong. There, the vet team found no signs of infection, and they were able to rule out anything immediately life-threatening.
Laura continued: “They suggested that Poppy might have Cushing’s disease and explained that her breed can be prone to this condition. When the discussion moved to the testing protocol and pricing, alarm bells started ringing. Poppy has always had private pet insurance, but the testing for Cushing’s disease alone was going to max out the cover for the year. I was terrified – I’m on a very limited income due to my disability.”
In her time of need, Laura contacted Liverpool (Huyton) PDSA Pet Hospital, The Thomas Williams Centre, having used the charitable vet services in the past.
Laura explained: “I was registered with PDSA before, but I made a promise to myself that any treatment I could afford at a private vet, I would self-fund. I didn’t want to take PDSA’s help from someone who needed it more.
The team at the Liverpool (Huyton) PDSA Pet Hospital then diagnosed Poppy with Cushing’s disease, which is a condition caused by abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol. Cushing’s disease is not usually curable. However, it can often be managed with lifelong medication and regular check-ups.
Poppy has responded well to the treatment and continues to thrive. Her symptoms have improved, and she enjoys a good quality of life. For Laura, PDSA’s support has meant that she still has her best friend by her side.
In the 2025 PAW Report results, 88% of people say pet ownership makes them mentally healthier, and 87% say it makes them feel less lonely. As well as 70% saying owning a pet has been a lifeline when times are tough.
Laura added: “Nobody adopts a pet with the plan to need to depend on charity, but PDSA affords those of us on limited incomes the chance to be responsible pet parents without feeling we aren’t able to meet the care needs of our cherished pets.”
Poppy’s monthly medication costs PDSA £180.88. On average a small dog may live until they are 15 years of age. To treat Poppy as she is now for the rest of her expected lifetime, it will cost PDSA over £13,000.
Laura said: “Fortunately, PDSA took away all my worries. I will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I owe them for providing Poppy’s life-preserving treatment.”
To show her appreciation, Laura contributes towards Poppy’s treatment and urges animal lovers to support PDSA in keeping people and pets together.
Laura added: “I donate whenever Poppy has an appointment or gets medication. My intention each year is to fundraise where I can. I could donate every day until I die and would still feel like I have not repaid the charity for what they have done, and continue to do, for me and Poppy”.
ENDS
PAW Report key statistics:
- Nearly all pet owners think the cost of owning a pet has increased, with larger proportions agreeing than in 2023
- Two-fifths or more say owning a pet is more expensive than they expected
- Just over half of owners are worried about being able to afford the cost of vet care for their pet (51%)
- 91% say that owning a pet improves their life
- 88% say it makes them mentally healthier
- 87% say it makes them feel less lonely
- 71% say it makes them physically healthier (87% for dog owners)
- 70% say owning a pet has been a lifeline when times are tough
- 68% say their pet is their best friend
Read the full PAW Report, here: PAW Mini Report 2025
