Impacts of the ‘Cost-of-Living Crisis’ on UK-Based Owners of Pandemic Puppies

Since 2021, United Kingdom (UK) residents have faced a decline in disposable income termed the Cost-of-Living Crisis (COLC). For pet owners, this has been compounded by the costs of veterinary care rising faster than the rate of inflation. Animal welfare charities have reported increased rates of relinquishment and owners making cost-reducing savings on multiple aspects of their dogs’ care. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the nature and prevalence of impacts of the COLC on a cohort of dogs acquired in 2020 and their owners. A cross-sectional survey collected data between 2022 and 2024 from n = 770 owners of “Pandemic Puppies” as their dogs reached 36 months of age. Questions focused on the impacts of COLC on household income and expenditure, as well as on specific aspects of dog management. Results identified our owner cohort to have a modal household income which was three times higher than the average household income. Despite this, 36% reported that their household income had been negatively impacted by COLC. Over one in ten (12.4%) owners reported having made COLC-driven negative changes to their dogs’ care, with 10.8% anticipating making changes in the future. The most common changes were reduction in or cessation of pet insurance cover, reduced use of professional dog trainers, groomer and daycare services and delays to seeking veterinary attention for potential health problems. Given the relative affluence of our respondents and the specific features of this “Pandemic Puppy” cohort, these results may not be widely generalisable and may substantially underestimate the negative impacts of the COLC on canine welfare in the wider UK population.