The Cost of Living Crisis & Our Dogs: How Rising Bills Are Affecting Pets – and How The Good Paw Project Can Help
The Cost of Living Crisis & Our Dogs: How Rising Bills Are Affecting Pets
The cost of living crisis isn’t just a headline – it’s sitting in our kitchens, on our sofas, and curled up at our feet.
Across the UK, dog owners are quietly wondering:
“Can I still afford my dog’s food?”
“What happens if I can’t pay the vet?”
“Will I have to give my dog up?”
As uncomfortable as those questions feel, you are absolutely not alone – and there is help.
In this blog, we’ll look at how the cost of living is impacting dogs in the UK, using data from Dogs Trust, Battersea, the RSPCA, and UK pet food banks. We’ll also share how The Good Paw Project can support you with practical, no-judgement help.
If you’re already struggling to afford basic care and food for your dog, please don’t wait. Complete our form now or email us at sally@thegoodpawproject.org.uk.
1. The UK’s love affair with dogs – and the real cost of care
The UK is a dog-loving nation. Recent estimates suggest there are around 10.6 million pet dogs in the UK, with just over half of UK adults owning at least one pet. pdsa.org.uk
For many families, dogs are emotional support and part of the household identity. But that love doesn’t insulate us from rising bills.
Average annual costs of dog ownership – including food, routine healthcare, insurance and everyday essentials – now hover around £2,000 per year per dog, according to recent reporting on UK dog ownership trends. The Week For larger or medically complex dogs, this can be even higher.
When:
food prices rise,
rents and mortgages go up,
Energy bills increase
and emergency vet bills land at exactly the wrong moment…
…it’s easy to see how even the most devoted owner can start to struggle.
2. What the data says: cost of living and pet care
The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index paints a stark picture. In their recent survey:
78% of pet owners said it has become more expensive to look after their pet in the last year. RSPCA
Previous findings showed 81% of pet owners were worried about rising costs of pet care, with around 19–23% worried about affording pet food.Yahoo Finance+1
This isn’t about people not caring. It’s about people caring deeply and feeling financially stuck.
The RSPCA emphasises that the cost of living is now a major barrier to caring for pets in the way owners want to. RSPCA+1
From my perspective as The Canine Dietitian and founder of The Good Paw Project, this matches exactly what I see every day:
Owners skipping their own meals so the dog can eat
People halving portions to “make the bag last”
Delaying vet visits because they’re afraid of the bill
Skipping routine health care like wormers, vaccinations and flea treatments
Stopping a dog’s insurance
Quiet shame about using pet food banks or asking for help
If that sounds familiar – you are not failing. You’re navigating a system that’s getting harder and harder for ordinary families.
3. Rescue centres under pressure: Dogs Trust, Battersea & RSPCA
The cost of living isn’t just visible in homes; it’s overflowing into rescue kennels.
Dogs Trust: thousands considering giving up their dog
Dogs Trust’s most recent annual reporting reveals that in 2024, more than 47,000 people contacted them about giving up their dog. dogstrust.org.uk+1
That is a huge number of families reaching a breaking point.
Among the reasons given for considering surrender were:
struggling to cope with owning a dog,
unwanted behaviours (often linked to stress, lack of training, or inconsistent routines),
changes in working patterns and housing,
and financial difficulties. mrcvs.co.uk
Behind every statistic is a real human being who hoped they’d never have to make that call.
Battersea: financial reasons on the rise
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has also seen cost-of-living pressure show up clearly in their intake data. In 2024, 9% of their non-stray intake was attributed to financial reasons, including the cost of vet care. GOV.UK
Their market monitor survey of 1,700 UK adults in Autumn 2024 also found that around 27% of pet owners felt they wouldn’t be able to afford a pet in the future – a worrying sign for long-term pet welfare. GOV.UK
Battersea directly cared for over 4,900 animals in 2023, including 2,529 dogs. That was a 10% increase on the previous year, with stray dog intake rising by 35%. register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk The cost of living is clearly part of that story.
RSPCA: record abandonments
The RSPCA has reported record levels of pet abandonment. Recent data shows 22,503 cases of pet abandonment in England in the past year, with charities linking this to soaring food prices and vet bills. The Guardian
At the same time, the RSPCA warns that vet costs have risen sharply since 2020 – up by almost 50% according to some recent media analysis – and pet food prices have also climbed significantly. The Guardian+1
Rescues are trying to plug the gap with advice, lobbying for better pet-friendly housing, and support schemes – but they are stretched.
4. Pet food banks: a lifeline under huge strain
When we talk about the “cost of living crisis,” one of the clearest indicators for pets is the explosion in pet food banks.
RSPCA pet food bank partnership
The RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank Partnership has grown rapidly since it launched as a pilot in 2020. The scheme has worked with over 140 food banks in northern England and has already provided around 1.6–2 million pet meals to owners in need. vettimes.com+1
Their 2024 success stories highlight 228 pet food banks delivering two million pet food meals to families struggling with the cost of living. RSPCA
Demand outstripping supply
Despite this, demand is still racing ahead of donations. One national update from the veterinary sector noted that since early 2024, less than 50% of pet food requests were being fulfilled, compared with over 75% the previous year. VNonline
In other words:
More owners are asking for help
Less food is available to meet that need
At the same time, analysis from 2024 showed that dog food prices have risen by around 37% since February 2020, putting extra pressure on already stretched budgets. The Telegraph
That’s the backdrop against which The Good Paw Project was born.
5. Everyday compromises owners are making
Stats are important – but what does this mean in real life?
Surveys and frontline reports show that many owners are now:
Switching to cheaper foods – Dogs Trust found that around a fifth of surveyed owners were considering buying cheaper dog food as part of managing the cost of living. dogstrust.org.uk
Cutting back on training – In the same research, 31% of owners who had attended training classes were considering cutting back due to cost.dogstrust.org.uk
Delaying vet visits – The RSPCA reports that owners are increasingly worried about paying for both routine and emergency veterinary care, with many seeking advice on how to reduce costs or access support. RSPCA+1
Stretching food – frontline workers at food banks and rescues describe people feeding smaller portions, skipping meals themselves, or relying entirely on donations to feed their dogs. Big Issue+1
Unfortunately, some of these “coping strategies” can have long-term consequences for dogs:
Unbalanced diets leading to weight loss, poor coat quality, or nutrient deficiencies
Reduced training and enrichment contributing to behaviour problems
Delayed vet care allowing manageable issues to become emergencies
Again – this is not about blame. It’s about structural pressure meeting genuine love for pets.
6. The emotional toll: shame, guilt & heartbreak
One of the hardest parts of the cost of living crisis is how isolating it feels.
Owners often tell me:
“I feel like I’ve failed my dog and I am a bad owner.”
“I’m embarrassed to ask for help.”
“What will people think if they know I can’t afford food right now?”
Yet, when we look at the numbers from Dogs Trust, Battersea, the RSPCA and national surveys, it’s clear that hundreds of thousands of owners are in the same boat.
A crisis affecting millions of people and pets is not a personal failing.
At The Good Paw Project, our core message is:
You are not a bad owner for needing help.
You are a good owner for looking for help.
7. How The Good Paw Project can help
The Good Paw Project exists for exactly this moment: when a loving owner is struggling to meet their dog’s basic needs because of circumstances beyond their control.
Depending on funding, donations and stock levels, The Good Paw Project aims to:
Support pet food banks with dog-specific food and essentials
Provide Good Paw Boxes or emergency supplies for owners in financial hardship to include basic dogs essentials
Offer free, evidence-based resources so owners can make the best use of what they have (e.g. safe budget-friendly foods, how to avoid dangerous “quick fixes”)
Share no-judgement advice as The Canine Dietitian on maintaining a nutritionally sound diet on a tight budget
Work with local partners – rescues, community groups, food banks and businesses – to make sure support reaches the dogs who need it most
Because we’re a community-focused, social impact project, every donation, partnership and purchase we receive is designed to feed back into the dogs and owners who need support the most.
What this might look like for you
If you’re struggling, The Good Paw Project may be able to help with:
Short-term dog food support via our food bank network or Good Paw Boxes
Signposting to local pet food banks and national schemes (RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea and others)
Practical guidance on choosing affordable but safe foods, avoiding risky trends and marketing myths
Tips for weight management, allergies and sensitive tummies on a budget
If you’re struggling to afford basic care and food for your dog, please complete our form now or email sally@thegoodpawproject.org.uk.
You do not have to explain yourself in paragraphs. A simple “I’m struggling” is enough to start the conversation.
8. Practical tips if you’re worried about costs
While every situation is different, here are some general steps you can take today if the cost of living is biting:
Talk to someone early
Contact your vet before a problem becomes an emergency – ask about payment plans, charity clinics, or lower-cost options.
Reach out to charities like the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea and local rescues for advice and schemes in your area. register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk+3RSPCA+3vettimes.com+3
Look into pet food banks near you
The RSPCA maintains a pet food bank map to help you find support locally. RSPCA
Many human food banks now also stock pet food; ask your local food bank if they can help.
The Good Paw Project is building partnerships with local organisations to get food and essentials to the people who need them most.
Be strategic with food choices
If you’re changing food for financial reasons:
Aim for gradual transitions to avoid tummy upset.
Focus on complete diets rather than random mixtures – it’s better to feed a consistent, complete budget-friendly food than half-portions of a premium one.
Avoid fad claims like “no fillers” and “nasties” when they’re mostly marketing – affordable foods can still be safe and nutritionally sound when chosen carefully.
Kibble is cheaper than wet food per 100g and is often more calorifically dense, it also lasts longer once open and doesn’t need a fridge
As The Canine Dietitian, I’m passionate about evidence over fear and helping owners spot misleading marketing, especially when budgets are tight.
Prioritise the essentials
If you can’t afford everything, focus on:
Keeping your dog fed with a complete diet appropriate for their life stage
Access to basic healthcare (vaccinations, pain relief, urgent issues)
Mental stimulation and exercise – many enrichment ideas are free: sniffy walks, scatter feeding, DIY games
Training classes and fancy treats are wonderful, but if money is limited, they can’t come ahead of food and essential veterinary care.
Policy, privilege and why we must talk about this
Charities and researchers increasingly point out that pet ownership is becoming a privilege rather than something an ordinary working family can realistically maintain without stress. The Guardian+1
At the same time:
The UK pet food market is now worth over £4.1 billion, ukpetfood.org
Premium and “fresh” dog food sectors are booming, particularly among higher-income households. The Times
There’s a painful disconnect between:
marketing that shames affordable foods and pushes ultra-premium options, and
real-world families wondering whether they can afford any dog food at all this week.
The Good Paw Project stands firmly against fear-based marketing and moral judgement around budget-friendly food. A dog who is:
fed
loved
kept as healthy as possible within real life constraints
…is not a “lesser” dog because their food came from a food bank or a supermarket own brand. There’s no moral attachment to how you feed your dog
10. You’re not alone – and you don’t have to wait until crisis point
If you take nothing else from this blog, let it be this:
Asking for help is an act of love, not failure.
The data from Dogs Trust, Battersea, the RSPCA and pet food banks shows that tens of thousands of owners across the UK are struggling – and yet most of them still care deeply about their dogs’ welfare. The Guardian+4dogstrust.org.uk+4GOV.UK+4
The more we talk openly about:
the reality of dog-keeping costs
the impact of the cost of living crisis
and the existence of support like The Good Paw Project
…the fewer people will reach that heartbreaking point of feeling they have no choice but to give up their dog.
11. How to get help from The Good Paw Project
If you’re reading this and thinking:
“This is us.”
“We’re barely keeping up.”
“I’m terrified something big will happen and we won’t cope.”
Please reach out.
If you’re struggling to afford basic care and food for your dog, complete our form now or email sally@thegoodpawproject.org.uk.
Let us know:
Your dog’s name, age, size and any medical issues
Roughly where you’re based
What you’re currently struggling with (food, vet bills, equipment etc.)
From there, we’ll do our best to:
Connect you with local pet food banks or support schemes
Offer practical, FREE, evidence-based nutrition guidance to make your budget go as far as possible with the right food and portioning
Explore Good Paw Project support options, subject to funding and availability
No judgement. No shaming. Just real-world help for real-world dog owners.
If you’re a business, vet practice, rescue, or community group and would like to partner with The Good Paw Project to support more dogs and owners, please also get in touch – together we can protect more “best friends” from becoming cost-of-living casualties.
