Pet owners in the UK spent an average of £1,486 on their dogs and £1,479 on their cats in 2024, according to an Opinium survey* of 1,000 UK cat and dog owners for Insure Your Paws, a specialist pet insurance provider.
The findings reveal that pets are a top financial priority for many households. More than a quarter say they spare no expense when it comes to their pets, while a third would rather cut back on spending on themselves than their pet.
Cost of Canines
On average, dog owners spent £713 on essentials, covering food (£352), vaccinations (£133), and vet bills (£228). While these average vet bills reflect common routine and unexpected expenses, it's important to note that some pet owners may encounter significantly higher costs for more severe or complex health issues.
In 2023, the average claimed amount according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) was £668. For example figures from the (ABI) found that owners of a dog with diabetes made claims of over £1,200 over a two and half year period and a puppy diagnosed with hip dysplasia required specialist vet treatment costing more than £13,000. Similarly, surgery for a cat’s broken tibia cost nearly £2,000, and owners of a cat suffering from soft tissue sarcoma made claims totalling over £12,200.
Other annual costs incurred by dog owners included dog walkers (£83) and grooming (£125), with a fifth admitting they spent more on their dog’s haircuts than their own. In addition, £134 was spent on toys and treats, £72 on birthday and Christmas presents, £52 on pet clothes, £97 on holiday boarding costs, and £210 on pet insurance.
Feline Finances
Cat owners reported an average of £782 on essentials, covering food (£373), vaccinations (£161), and vet bills (£248). £697 was spent on additional costs including pet insurance (£183), toys and treats (£152), holiday boarding costs (£144), birthday and Christmas presents (£110) and clothes (£108). Surprisingly, while dog owners generally face higher grooming and walking costs, cat owners spent more on average across several categories, including clothes (£57 more), presents (£38 more), toys (£18 more), holiday boarding costs (£47 more) and vet bills (£19 more).
Treating our pets is no surprise when over one in four (28%) admit to spoiling their pets more than they do themselves. Nearly half of pet owners (46%) buy their pets Christmas or birthday presents, 43% opt for the best quality food, and 19% indulge their pets with special treats like dog ice cream or puppuccinos.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, said: “Many of us love treating our pets and ensuring they have the best of everything, but these costs can add up quickly. While it’s important to enjoy spoiling them, it's equally crucial to consider how you'd manage unexpected vet bills if your pet becomes unwell. That’s where pet insurance is invaluable.”
Insure Your Paws offers comprehensive coverage including emergency medical care, a 24/7 veterinary helpline called Assist Your Paws, and benefits like emergency boarding and third-party liability for eligible dogs.
* Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 20 – 26 June 2024.
