In 2025 several animal charities report record numbers of pets being given up for re-homing, and the RSPCA Kindness Index Survey 2025 shows many pet owners are still finding it tough to afford to feed and care for their pets. We look at the issue and share useful resources. 

According to the RSPCA’s Kindness Index 2025, an annual survey of the UK’s attitude to animals, pet owners are continuing to find the cost of pet ownership worrying. 74% of pet owners say it is more expensive to look after their pets than last year, but this figure is down from 81% in 2023. 

34% of pet owners surveyed have changed their behaviour in the past year due to financial pressures. Changes include switching to cheaper pet food or buying pet food less often (10%), visiting the vets less often (4%) or even having their pet put to sleep (1%).  

52% of pet owners are concerned about the rising cost of vet care, which is the main financial worry. 33% worry about the increase in pet insurance costs. However, concerns about the cost of pet bedding, grooming and pet food are down from last year, which is good news. 

Other good news is that 68% of pet owners now vaccinate their pets annually, up from 63% in 2024, 71% take their pets for regular check ups and 89% of owners have registered their pet with a vet. 

Financial pressures result in pet abandonment

Despite some encouraging statistics, the RSPCA reported a 32% increase in pet abandonments in the first few months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, with the cost of food and vet care being a significant factor. In September 2025 they went as far as stating they were facing a rehoming crisis as they were looking after a record number of dogs. And in October they put out a plea for cat adopters as they had a record 1,700 cats waiting for new homes, too.  

Dogs Trust also reported that the numbers of dogs being given up for re-homing reached record highs in early 2025 with the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis creating a perfect storm resulting in the huge influx of dogs.  

Where can pet owners get help with the cost of pet ownership?   

If you find it difficult to afford to feed and care for your pet, please seek help. 

• The RSPCA  have a cost-of-living information hub, where you can find information on where to find your local RSPCA pet food bank, how to get help with vet bills and offering hints and tips to help you save money while still caring for your pet.
• Blue Cross has a growing number of pet food banks to help with the cost of feeding your pet, and offer hints and tips on how to look after your pet on a budget.
• Blue Cross hospitals  and the PDSA offer support with vet treatment for those on benefits or low incomes and who are struggling to afford vet care.  
• Cats Protection offers help with neutering and micro-chipping for those on benefits or low incomes, and the Dogs Trust offer support to those facing housing crisis or homelessness. 

How to reduce Pet Insurance costs

You might think that Pet Insurance is an expense you just can’t afford, but there is no NHS for pets and so buying pet insurance could save you money in the long run. 

Consider the type and level of insurance you need, perhaps opting for lower vet fee cover in a Lifetime Cover Policy or considering a Time Limited or Maximum benefit policy that provide cover for individual conditions up to a limit. You can find out more about the different types of insurance policy you can choose between here.  

Whichever type of policy you opt for, remember to read customer reviews before making your purchase to help you make the right decision for you and your pet.