RSPCA warns that many are struggling to afford their pets
They say 74% of pet owners find it more expensive than it was a year ago
The RSPCA has released it's Animal Kindness Index, which they say shows that the cost of living crisis is affecting pet owners.
58% of Essex pet owners feel worried about being able to afford vet bills, with 28% saying that the cost of looking after their pet has become "much more expensive" in the last 12 months.
Greatest Hits Radio Essex News spoke to David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, he said:
"Over 1/3 of of pet owners are feeling the cost of living pressures on their animals, and that may be manifesting itself in in a number of ways, such as them changing pet food, or them even thinking about cutting down on the food that they eat to prioritise the food for their pets and also changing their behaviour in terms of getting pet insurance.
"The RSPCA's message to people is we want you to keep your pets with you."
"There are lots of solutions out there to help you guide through this very difficult time period."
He said that some pet owners "are already starting to downsize when they're looking at pet food." His advice was to go for supermarket own brands rather than retailer ones. This is something he does for his own cat.
"One thing that we would urge people not to compromise on is the health and welfare of their pet animal so don't stop going to the vet."
"At the present time there are more dogs in our care than at any time in recorded history, which goes back a couple of decades.
"And I think that brings home the fact that people are getting very worried about the the impact of the cost of living on their pets, and that has translated in to them abandoning their pets or leaving their pets with us, or even sadly not being able to to take care of their pets properly. And that's when we get called in.
"So the RSPCA's plea to to all pet owners is there are lots of solutions and there is lots of help out there.
"You got your pet because it's a valued member of your family and please the RSPCA would like you to keep hold of your pet rather than abandoning them. And please look at the options that are available for you. We know times are tight but there are lots of different solutions out there."
He also said that:
"The RSPCA certainly appreciates what pet owners are going through at the moment. It is a worrying time, but there there is help out there."
He urged people that are finding it difficult to afford their pets, and that want further advice to contact RSPCA and other organisations in the local area.
There are local RSPCA organisations in Essex. They are RSPCA Essex Mid and North, and RSPCA Essex South.