GlobalPETS data: How are pet parents adapting their spending patterns?

A recent survey of 380 pet owners in the UK and Canada, conducted by Yummypets and PETS International, highlights the effect of the economic crisis on household finances.

When asked about the impact of the economic crisis on their financial situations, almost 8 in 10 Canadians and British (79%) pet owners admitted that the economic crisis had impacted them. So, to what extent has it affected pet parents’ attitudes?

The economic crisis’ impact

Pet owners were asked about their spending habits to assess the real impact of the crisis. 4 in 10 Canadian owners stated they had changed their spending patterns on pet-related items such as food, treats and toys due to the economic crisis, with this number dropping to a quarter of consumers (25%) in the UK.

Significantly, over half of respondents said they had considered switching (or had already switched) to a different pet food brand due to cost considerations (54% in Canada and 58% in the UK).

Despite these black clouds, most pet owners did all they could to prevent their pets from experiencing any change. Many respondents stated that the welfare of their pets was paramount, with many saying, “[I would] cut down on the expenditure on myself rather than my pets.”

Pets with health conditions

Despite many owners seeing the impact of inflation on their finances, owners whose pets suffer from health conditions were more likely to maintain the diets they had typically been feeding them.

A Canadian owner stated, “My cat is on a veterinary prescription diet, so I have to buy it no matter what, regardless of inflation.” Another mentioned, “I would most definitely be decreasing the amount spent on pet food (not buying vet brands) if both my cats didn’t have IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).”

An owner whose pet had a more severe condition also mentioned, “My dog is epileptic and has pancreatitis, so changing his food is not an option.”

Fussy eaters and specific diets

Pets can also be fussy eaters, and cats are well-known for this. Many owners mentioned the impact this has on their brand loyalty. One owner in Canada commented, “My cat needs dietary food, or else I would get cheaper foods.” And another said, “I’ve always bought Iams in my local pet shop as my dog is fussy and will only eat that brand.”

Pet owners whose pets have sensitivities or allergies were also among those who made a greater effort to maintain their pets’ nutrition. One consumer in the UK commented, “My dog has sensitivities, so I am unable to change his food to something different/a cheaper one as he can’t tolerate it.”

Some consumers admitted to having tried changing their pets’ diets but to no avail. “My dog is allergic to certain ingredients in food, so I have to buy gastrointestinal food, but due to how expensive this is, I have been trying cheaper foods, which has started his allergic reaction again.”

Compromising on food quality?

Pet owners will go to great lengths to provide their pets with the best possible nutrition. Owners mentioned that downgrading could compromise their pets’ health, which was their main deterrent.

Over the past few months, 14% of Canadian consumers and 13% of British pet parents reduced their expenses on wet pet food. The decrease in expenditure for dry pet food was lower, 8% in Canada and 9% in the UK.

Interestingly, many owners reflected on the impact food has on their pets. One Canadian pet owner said, “No changes to food as I’m worried it may affect her health and then increase vet bills and potentially shorten her life span.”