A Northamptonshire pet owner says the soaring costs of caring for her animals have left her with “sleepless nights” over how she would afford treatment if they became unwell.
Alison shares her home with two dogs, seven rabbits and three guinea pigs, with their food, bedding and general care already costing up to £500 each month — not including any vet bills. She says she simply cannot afford to insure them all.
“We don’t go on holiday anymore. Meals out and family treats are a thing of the past,” she told the BBC. “If I insured every pet, the cost would easily double.”
Alison experienced the problem firsthand when one of her dogs developed cancer. After surgery and treatment, its policy expired, and the renewal came in at £135 a month — far too high for her budget. “The insurance cost out-prices the normal person,” she said, adding that she fears she would have no choice but to put her dog to sleep if faced with unaffordable future treatment.
Figures from animal welfare charity Blue Cross show the issue is widespread. Pet insurance costs rose by around 20% in March 2024 compared with the previous year, while fewer people are now insuring their pets. Dr Paul Manktelow from Blue Cross said rising vet fees are the biggest financial burden for owners, warning: “It doesn’t look like it’s going to go down any time soon.”
The costs are particularly steep for Alison’s rabbits, classed as “exotic pets.” Vaccines for rabbits are around £75 each — £20–£30 more than for dogs. Four of her rabbits are due their jabs this month, leaving her struggling to cover the bill.
She admits she sometimes treats her rabbits at home rather than taking them to the vet, but insists she will always put their needs before her own. “Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment. I will always go without so my animals don’t have to.”
The financial strain, experts warn, is spilling over into animal welfare services. Blue Cross has seen a rise in rehoming requests as families can no longer afford vet bills, while clinics are increasingly being presented with pets whose conditions have worsened after treatment was delayed.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), said pet care is adding “real financial pressure” at a time of wider cost-of-living concerns. She urged owners to shop around for treatment costs and ask about payment plans to help spread expenses.