The cost-of-living crisis that’s engulfed the world has had serious consequences for every aspect of our lives. Sadly, pet ownership is no different. 

Amid rising interest rates and fuel prices, the financial pressures of modern life can feel overwhelming. While our furry friends are a great source of support in tough times, they can also add to that stress in the event of a costly healthcare emergency. 

New research from GapOnly shows one in five Australian pet owners have already experienced unexpected pet-related healthcare costs of $2,000 or more in the past year. 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. 

But there are ways to help mitigate the price of pet ownership, which is a compromise few among us would ever want to make. Consider these tips to keep life with your dog or cat happy and healthy. 

Food for thought 

The first place humans usually look to cut the budget is food. It’s very easy to take lunch to work or cut down on dinners out, but pets don’t have that luxury. They rely on us as their daily restaurateurs, and it’s a duty that’s even more important than you might think. 

Quality matters. A low-quality diet can have serious ramifications for your pet’s health in the long run, so if you’re looking to save, shop around, but don’t compromise on quality.  

If anything, you may already be overspending on pet food without realising. A common complaint among vets is that pet owners overfeed their furbabies, which is both an unnecessary expense and a danger to your pet’s health. Your vet can help advise a diet that’s in accordance with your pet’s weight. 

And while homemade pet food is an option for some, it must be nutritionally balanced. Striking that balance can involve expensive supplements that make quality pre-made pet food a more convenient and cost-effective way to keep your pet’s tummy full. 

A cut above 

The bravest among us may opt to save a few bucks by cutting their hair at home. Pets aren’t so easily embarrassed, and most of the time a full haircut isn’t even necessary. While pet grooming is no pet owner’s favourite activity, regular brushing and bathing may extend the time between professional appointments. 

Toy story 

There’s no need for expensive pet playthings when most of the time, the cardboard packaging is just as entertaining. Look in the recycling for clean egg cartons, plastic bottles or empty boxes, all of which can be turned into fun DIY projects. Cut some holes in a bottle and fill it with treats, for instance, and you have an all-day crowd pleaser. 

Board meeting

If you’re going away for the holidays and can’t take your dog or cat, the only option is an expensive kennel or cattery, right? 

Wrong. Friends with compatible dogs may be up for a swap: they’ll mind yours if you mind theirs in return. And since many cats detest change and would prefer to have the house to themselves, let them. Ask your friends or neighbours to stop by and check on them and help with the feeding, and chances are you’ll come home to a much happier cat. 

Plan ahead 

As many pet owners have found out the hard way, healthcare is the costliest part of pet ownership. A large vet bill on the tail end of a sudden accident or health situation is a fear we all share, but it doesn’t have to loom large over life with a dog or cat. 

Pet insurance can help mitigate these fears. Should an accident occur, having an insurance policy in place can help cover costs that can add up quickly when emergency treatment is required. 

And that’s if it is required at all. Many GapOnly-ready pet insurance policies include 24/7 access to the LiveVet vet telehealth at no additional cost.  

By speaking to a registered Australian vet via video or online chat when you notice something different about your dog or cat, you can make sure small problems don’t develop into bigger issues. In fact, 64 percent* of after hours calls to LiveVet end up being resolved online, avoiding the need for a costly emergency visit. 

A GapOnly-ready policy also offers the tremendous advantage of on-the-spot claims processing. When it’s time to pay your bill, GapOnly assesses and processes eligible claims within minutes while you’re still at the clinic, so all you need to do is pay the remaining amount – the gap – and you’re good to go. 

Times are tough, but with careful planning and prioritising the good stuff, your pet will be a happy and healthy companion through it all.  

*According to 2026 PetSure research 

FAQs

How much should I expect to spend on unexpected pet healthcare costs in Australia?

Research from GapOnly shows one in five Australian pet owners have faced unexpected pet healthcare costs of $2,000 or more in a single year. Emergency treatment in particular can add up quickly, which is why having a financial safety net — like pet insurance — in place before an incident occurs is so important. Being caught off guard by a large vet bill is one of the most common and stressful experiences for Australian pet owners.

Is it okay to switch to cheaper pet food to save money?

Cutting costs on pet food is tempting, but quality really does matter for your pet’s long-term health. A poor-quality diet can lead to health issues down the track that cost far more to treat than the savings made at the checkout. Instead of trading down, speak with your vet about the right portion sizes — overfeeding is surprisingly common and can mean you’re already spending more than you need to.

Can I make homemade pet food to reduce costs?

Homemade pet food is an option, but it needs to be nutritionally complete and balanced to keep your pet healthy. Achieving that balance often requires supplements that can be expensive, meaning quality commercial pet food may actually be more cost-effective in the long run. If you’re considering a homemade diet, it’s worth having a conversation with your vet first.

What’s a good alternative to a kennel or cattery when I go on holiday?

A pet-sitting swap with a trusted friend who has a compatible dog can be a great cost-free alternative to kennels. For cats, the good news is that many prefer staying in their own home — simply asking a neighbour or friend to pop in for feeding and a check-in is often all they need. Cats tend to be much happier in familiar surroundings, so this approach works well for everyone.

What is GapOnly® and how does it help with vet costs?

GapOnly® is a service that processes eligible pet insurance claims on the spot while you’re still at the vet clinic. Rather than paying the full bill upfront and waiting for a reimbursement, you only pay the remaining amount — the gap — once your claim has been assessed, which typically takes just minutes. It’s designed to take the financial sting out of unexpected vet visits.

What is LiveVet and how can it help me avoid expensive emergency vet visits?

LiveVet is a vet telehealth service included with many GapOnly-ready pet insurance policies that gives you 24/7 access to a registered Australian vet via video or online chat. It’s particularly useful for after-hours concerns, and 64 per cent of calls are resolved online without the need for an emergency clinic visit. Catching a small issue early — before it becomes a bigger problem — can save both your pet’s health and your wallet.

Should I take out pet insurance before my pet has a health issue?

Taking out pet insurance before anything goes wrong is the smart move, as most policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Pet healthcare costs can escalate rapidly in an emergency, and one in three Australian pet owners say they couldn’t access $1,000 or more at short notice without borrowing. Having a policy in place means you’re prepared for the unexpected rather than scrambling when it happens.

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