Pet owners are turning into dangerous DIY medics in a desperate bid to avoid soaring vets bills during the cost-of-living crisis, a worrying study has found.
Two-thirds have put off visiting their local vets as they are worried about how much it will set them back. And in London the figure is a staggering 84 percent.
One in three owners also say they have given their pet over-the-counter human medicine – such as paracetamol – despite it potentially being harmful.
The research by Snoots Vet found that the average bill for medical help is £572.90.
Over half (55 percent) of those polled have said their pet insurance premiums have increased in the last year, yet the level of cover is unchanged.
And 39 percent say it has gone up, even though they have not made a claim in the last 12 months.
This is causing 38 percent to “self-diagnose” their pet, with this figure rising to 45 percent in London. More than half (54 percent) admitted they are concerned about their furry friend’s health after reducing vet visits.
Another 42 percent admit their pet has missed vaccinations due to the costs involved. And 25 percent have taken to waiting a few days to see if their poorly pet recovers before booking an appointment.
But the cost-of-living crisis has also seen changes in how owners splash out on themselves in order to support their pet.
Two in five people (41 percent) are cutting back on their personal spending and 27 percent are eating cheaper food in order to feed their pet. People’s sacrifices include eating out (62 percent), going to the pub (49 percent), buying clothes (48 percent), TV
subscriptions (35 percent) and birthday gifts for others (27 percent).
Jonathan Moyal, founder of London-based SnootsVet, said: “Pets are part of our family, but owners are putting their furry friends’ lives at risk to save on costs, which could end up leading to more expensive treatment down the line.
“It’s why we have launched a model for veterinary care. We are offering a flat fee to cover all the day-to-day care pets need, from vaccinations and X-rays through to neutering and travel paperwork.
“This is to ensure pets are kept healthy, we spot anything before it’s too late, and owners can be confident they aren’t going to be hit with a massive bill.”
