With the price of petrol skyrocketing, the cost-of-living crisis is hitting Australian families harder than ever – and that includes our pets.
New research from GapOnly shows one in five Australian pet owners have already experienced unexpected pet-related costs of $2,000 or more in the past year, while one in three say they’d be unable to access $1,000 or more at short notice for pet care without having to borrow or rely on credit.
PetSure’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Simone Maher (along with Nala from Sydney Dogs and Cats Home) joined Today to share practical ways pet owners can cut costs and plan ahead for unexpected vet bills, including how pet insurance, GapOnly and vet telehealth can help you manage your pet budget.
Design for living
There are a few quick wins pet owners can grab when revising their annual pet spending. Food is a recurring expense that adds up over time, but Dr Maher says it’s important not to compromise on healthy meals.
“Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health,” she says. “Our pets can be very sensitive to changes in diet. Don’t shift to a lower cost – and lower quality – diet, because the impact to your pet’s health in the long run could cost you more than you’d save.”
Instead, Dr Maher says many families may already be overspending on pet food for a very simple reason: overfeeding.
“It’s one of the biggest and most common problems we see as vets,” she says. “Make sure you’re feeding your pet in accordance with their weight.”
Other ways to streamline your pet budget without leaving your cat or dog wanting is to get creative with toys. Rather than buying expensive new playthings, recycle plastic bottles or cardboard boxes as DIY busy-boxes. Cut a few holes and fill them with treats for hours of tasty fun.
Grooming is another area where you can save if you’re willing to get your hands dirty (and then clean again). “I know from personal experience grooming is harder than it looks, but regular brushing might allow you to extend the time between appointments if you’re prepared to do the bathing yourself.”
Home and away
When school holidays come around and you’re going away, you’re either taking your pet with you or turning to expensive kennels and catteries. It doesn’t have to be that way if you’re ready to share the load.
“A friend with a compatible dog might be willing to mind your dog if you mind theirs in return,” Dr Maher says. “When times are this tight, a sense of community is more valuable than ever, so people are willing to help.”
Cats, on the other hand, are much more solitary. Dr Maher’s advice? Leave them to it.
“Most cats aren’t fans of change and would much prefer to stay in their own environment,” she says. “Ask your friends or neighbours to check in on and feed them.”
A helping hand
One of the biggest costs of owning a pet is their healthcare. An unexpected trip to the vet can set you back thousands at the worst possible time. Dr Maher says it’s worth considering pet insurance as a way to help mitigate big bills.
“Pets don’t have Medicare like we do, but a GapOnly-ready insurance policy allows you to claim on the spot before leaving the clinic,” she says. “It won’t stop unexpected bills from happening, but it will reduce your up-front out of pocket expenses.”
An added benefit: most GapOnly-ready policies come with 24/7 access to LiveVet, a vet telehealth service, for no additional cost.
“If you’re taking your pet away with you and something bad happens far from your regular vet, telehealth can provide expert guidance around the clock, wherever you are,” she says.
“And our research shows 64 percent of calls to LiveVet don’t require an emergency vet visit, which can save you money when you’re unsure what’s going on with your pet.”
With forward thinking and clever compromises, you and your pet can ride the economic storm in a happier, healthier way. Thanks to Today for sharing Dr Maher’s insights and the important message that early intervention and planning ahead can make a big difference to your pet’s health – and your bottom line.
