UK Dog Ownership Costs
The average UK dog costs its owners up to £15,000 over the course of its lifetime, according to research by Vet UK, the nation’s leading online pet retailer of veterinary supplies.
The staggering amount is not far removed from the cost of feeding a child up to the age of 18 which weighs in at just over £17,000.
In a survey of 3,000 UK pet owners, 41% of respondents spent up to £100 every month on their pet equating to over £14,000 during the dog’s lifetime.
5% of respondents admitted to spending over £200 a month on their pet, resulting in a total bill of almost £43,000. A quarter of the cost of raising a child to adulthood.
And with dogs living for up to 20 years many owners will be feeling the pinch.
Most owners are indulging their pets in clothing and accessories with wet weather coats and wellingtons topping the list of luxury purchases for pampered pooches.
Luxury food and snacks is in second place with more and more dog owners shelling out for treats than 5 years ago.
Some of the more bizarre products dog owners can’t resist buying for man’s best friend include; walking sticks, eye masks and dog condoms.
Iain Booth, Managing Director Vet UK, says: “Even in a recession people are still choosing to spend decent pennies on their pet. One of our biggest sellers is edible crocodile chews that are a real luxury treat and would be the equivalent of buying your child a treat. Over the last couple of years we have seen a huge increase in sales of extra items for dogs that, as the research shows, have a very important role in the family fold.”
Visit www.vetuk.co.uk for more helpful advice and tips regarding caring for your pet.
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