Anyone who’s experienced the joys of having a canine family member can attest that a home doesn’t feel quite complete without the presence of a dog. Unfortunately, caring for one amidst the rising cost-of-living crisis has become harder than ever, as reported by Dogs Trust, the U.K.’s leading dog welfare charity. The term “Dogflation” is used to describe the increased cost of owning a dog, and it’s on the rise.
What is “Dogflation”?
“Dogflation” is a general term used to describe how fast the average costs of looking after a dog are rising. Among these costs are dog food prices, veterinary bills, dog treats, grooming costs, dog kennel fees, and pet insurance.
As per Dog Trust’s analysis, “dogflation” has risen to an astonishing 9%, outpacing the current general inflation rate of 4%.
Currently, most dog owners in the United Kingdom are struggling to keep up with the expenses associated with owning a pup, with many considering giving up their canine companions. For this reason, Dog Trust has offered to extend support to financially distressed dog owners by providing a wide range of support services, from dog food banks to discounted behavior training classes, and more.
How expensive is it to own a dog in 2024?
Owning a dog in the U.K. now costs an additional £256 a year. As a result of “dogflation,” households might end up using as much as £27,800 throughout their dog’s lifetime. (via This is Money)
Metro News reports that in the past year, the number of calls made to Dog Trust’s hotline by struggling dog owners in the U.K. has more than doubled.
According to the news outlet, Dog Trust received about 3,000 calls per month a year ago, 30 of which were from dog owners reporting they could no longer afford to keep their dogs. Now, the U.K. charity receives roughly 6,000 calls every month, with 540 of these calls being from dog owners who want to give up their pets due to financial challenges.
Adam Clowes, Dog Trust’s operations director, confirmed this in a statement:
“More and more of the calls we’re getting are because owners are in the heart-breaking position of having to choose between heating their homes, feeding their children, and keeping their dog.”
