What to do if you can’t afford your pet any more

In 2020, as the pandemic took hold, millions of households in the UK bought or adopted a new pet. For some, this seemed a good idea because they faced working from home for the indefinite future.

But since 2021, more than three million households have given up animals. Dr. Samantha Graines, a welfare expert for the RSPCA, told  “We understand that circumstances can change and, sometimes, this leaves families having to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their pets.

However, we also know that animals are often signed over to charities, rehomed, or even abandoned because people took on a pet without the necessary research or appreciation of the responsibility and commitment.”

There are several ways you could consider getting a helping hand raising some money to help you keep your pet, and many supporters out there who’d be keen to get involved.

Charities

While it’s the responsibility of pet owners to ensure they can afford any veterinary treatment their pets may require, sometimes people fall on hard times, and vert fees, especially for unplanned emergencies, can be a real concern.

Here are some charities who may be able to help with the cost of veterinary treatment:

1. PDSA

To qualify for free or subsidised treatment, pet owners must be in receipt of certain benefits, such as housing benefit or council tax support, and live within the catchment area of a PDSA hospital or clinic.

2. RSPCA

The RSPCA has clinics and practices across England which offer reduced cost veterinary assistance to pet owners who meet their criteria.

3. Blue Cross

Blue Cross operates in England and Wales, providing means-tested support to low-income families who live in the catchment area of its hospitals or clinics.

4. Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust provides free and subsidised treatments to pet owners who are homeless or in a housing crisis. The scheme runs in 112 towns and cities across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

5. Cats Protection

Cats Protection offers financial assistance to cash-strapped owners wishing to spay or neuter their cat. Unfortunately, they don’t offer further assistance with veterinary procedures or bills.

6. Local charities and organisations

There are also several independent charities which offer help with veterinary expenses. Speak to your daytime vet to find out about those local to you.

Crowdfunding

You could also consider starting a CROWDFUNDER CAMPAIGN, as there are potentially thousands of people out there who may be sympathetic to your plight, particularly when it comes to our animal friends.

See our recent feature on running a crowdfunder and adjust accordingly to explain you and your pets’ needs, and you may find help comes from unexpected places.

If you really do have to consider giving up your pet, the RSPCA website has some advice for people who are considering giving up their pet. They say that before giving up pets because of expensive vet bills, do some research. Some of the RSPCA’S branches may be able to help if you’re receiving low-income state benefits. Find out if you could be eligible for financial assistance. Other charities can also help. You could also consider pet insurance, which covers future unexpected vets’ bills. We recommend pet insurance as an essential part of responsible pet ownership.

giving up a dog you’re no longer able to care for

We have a guide to suggest different dog breeds for different budgets here.