Vets are feeling the pressure
As the current cost of living continues to rise, the President of the British Veterinary Association talks about the impact on his profession and emerging animal welfare challenges.
When we hear desperate stories of increasing numbers of pet owners making difficult decisions to give up beloved family pets, it brings the reality of this cost-of- living crisis into sharp focus.
Can we still afford pets?
But it’s not only owners and their pets who are feeling the crunch. Businesses – including vet practices – are also finding it challenging to navigate the crisis. Vet businesses across the UK are facing inflation, surges in energy bills, as well as fluctuating costs and availability of medicines.
However, it’s probably no surprise that vets’ greatest concerns relate to the impact the cost of living is having on animals. We know that pets are regarded as a member of the family and provide comfort when times are tough, so it’s a double whammy when owners struggle to care for them. Being unable to afford pet food, pet insurance or medical care is becoming a sad reality for too many of the UK’s animal lovers. Many animal welfare charities and rescues are reporting a significant rise in the number of animals being relinquished by owners because they simply can’t afford to keep them.
Impacting pet health
There are concerning reports that vets in practice are seeing increasing cases of animal welfare being compromised as owners are delaying seeking medical attention for their pets because of their own financial worries. Delaying treatment comes with the risk of issues escalating. Which, in turn, can mean that at the end of the day more medical care is required. This usually also means higher costs, as well as risking increased suffering for the animal.
Veterinary professionals around the UK are trying to encourage owners to speak to their vet early if they have any concerns about their pets’ health and to be open and honest, particularly if money is a concern. Up-front conversations mean vets can help their clients with a course of action: whether advising on preventative measures to help reduce vet visits or talking through treatment options to help owners make the best decision that not only prioritizes the pet’s welfare but also considers all their circumstances.
Caring for pet parents too
We are hearing touching stories about how some vet practices have opened pet food banks to help struggling owners to feed their animals or have opened their practices so people who may be finding it hard to cope with the cost-of-living crisis have somewhere warm to go.
Vets may be there to treat animals, but I’m proud to hear how our incredible profession is providing kindness and support to their human customers as well.