UK & Spain’s pet crisis: Love can’t pay the bills

As the cost of living continues its squeeze on households, animal charities across England have warned of a dramatic increase in the abandonment of pets. RSPCA has recorded more than 22,000. This is a record number. Many rescue centers report they are at capacity.

You can also find out more about us on our website. the heart of this increase Costs of pet care and food are on the rise. According to animal welfare organisations, many of the most common pet food products have risen in price by 25–40% since 2021, while vet bills are almost 50% higher on average than in 2020. Even routine treatments like flea prevention, vaccinations, and dental checkups have experienced significant increases. These repeated monthly and yearly costs are difficult for many households to afford, especially when the average salary is the same while prices increase.

Reality of the Pandemic Pet Boom

Unprepared owners will pay for their mistakes in the long run

Around 3 million pets were purchased in the UK during the COVID-19 Pandemic. During the lockdown, pets offered companionship and emotional support. But many of these owners were uninformed and underestimated ongoing costs.

Pet ownership costs increased faster than wages as inflation rose. A 30kg bag of dry dog food that once cost £30 can now be £45–£70. A basic veterinary consultation may now exceed £70 before any treatment or medication is added. A sudden vet bill can be unmanageable for families who have to balance rising rents, fuel prices and energy bills.

The financial burden has led to more animals being abandoned or surrendered at shelters.

Spanish Comparative Analysis

Different cultural patterns, similar pressures

Spain faces similar problems, though the causes can differ. According to Fundación Affinity, Spanish shelters take in around 285,000–300,000 dogs and cats each year. Costs of pet care have also risen sharply: average annual spending per pet in Spain now sits at around €1,200, covering basic food, insurance, grooming and veterinary treatment.

Spain, too, has abandonment patterns that are culturally influenced. After the hunting season, thousands of working dogs and galgos are abandoned every year. This trend is not seen in England.

Both countries face a similar problem: Pet ownership is more expensive than most people expected, and the shelters are under increased pressure.

Charities and Services Under Strain

More animals being rescued now by firefighters

In England fire brigade statistics The number of animal rescue calls has increased, with domestic pets being abandoned in unsanitary conditions or in hazardous environments. This shows that animals aren’t just being formally surrendered, but some are also being abandoned and in need of emergency intervention.

Shelters mention waiting lists, staff fatigue and the heavy dependence on volunteer foster carers. Many charities are at breaking point.

Highlights

• Pet food costs and veterinary bills have increased sharply as a result of inflation, putting pressure on household finances.
• The RSPCA recorded over 22,000 abandonment cases in England last year.
• Many animals acquired during the pandemic pet boom are now reaching adulthood and incurring higher care costs.
• In Spain, around 300,000 pets are abandoned annually, due to economic strain and seasonal hunting-related abandonment.
• Charities in both countries report overcapacity and increased demand for rehoming services.

Need for education, support, and responsible ownership

Both England and Spain stress the importance of educating the public about the true costs of pet ownership. This includes food, veterinary treatment and long-term needs. The adoption of microchips, affordable neutering and other initiatives could reduce future abandonment.

As an animal welfare specialist and behaviourist, I believe that education is one of our most effective interventions. Owners often do not neglect their pets intentionally, they are simply unaware of the financial burden that comes with special diets, expensive pet food, and veterinary care. No one intends for an animal to become ill but it happens. By providing owners with clear cost expectations and nutritional and behavioral advice, they can make informed decisions.

Education alone, however, cannot compensate for the rapid rise in prices. In this case, I think government assistance should be considered. To reinforce personal responsibility and not replace it. Many cases of surrender could be prevented if neutering programs were subsidised, veterinary prices transparently regulated, and financial assistance was provided for emergency treatments.

In the end, to tackle the crisis of animal abandonment, owners, charities and veterinary professionals must share responsibility. Compassion, education, and structured support will help to ensure that fewer animals are left vulnerable in households facing financial stress.