• Two-thirds (66%) of dog owners are spending up to £480 more a year on their pet due to rising costs  
• The average dog owner spends £348 each month on their pooch 
• Popular breeds cost owners up to 202% more compared to the national average  

As the cost-of-living crisis stretches household finances, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that more than three-quarters (76%) of dog owners have seen an increase in maintenance costs for their four-legged friends. Two-thirds (66%) of UK dog owners now spend up to £480 more on their furry friends each year.   

Pet owners confessed they expected average monthly costs for their dogs to stand at £157, which explains why 40% are shocked at actual costs. Average monthly spend on pooches now stands at £348, more than double the anticipated amount. 

Dog food and treats are the monthly expenses that have the biggest impact on wallets, with the average owner purchasing £68 worth of food for their pup. Coming in second place are vet bills and treatments, which average £67 each month. In some extreme situations, as many as one in 20 (5%) are worried they’ll have to give up their dog because they cannot afford the monthly expenses. 

Data from the Association for British Insurers (ABI) shows that the average trip to the vets cost a hefty £848 in 2021. With more than a quarter (27%) of dog owners not having pet insurance and one-fifth (20%) saying their dog has health issues, many could be at risk of forking out thousands if their pet falls ill.  

When it comes to pet expenses, the breed of dog can have a big impact. Topping the list of pricey pooches are Beagles, whose owners report spending 202% more on their pups each month compared to the national average (£348), at a whopping £1,050.  

When looking at the five most popular breeds in the UK by pet insurance enquiries, MoneySuperMarket’s internal data reveals Labradors came out on top in 2022, with 107,643 enquiries. At a monthly cost of £337, Labrador owners spend slightly below average for pet essentials. In contrast, the fourth most popular breed for pet insurance enquiries, the French Bulldog, costs owners £212 more than the national average each month, as expenses hit £549.  

The reason why costs for each breed differ so widely can be partly attributed to varying pet insurance prices for different breeds. A third (33%) of Brits choose to buy their dog from a registered breeder and some popular breeds are prone to experience health problems. Owners of these breeds see this reflected in pricing for their pet insurance. For example, Frenchie owners pay the highest pet insurance premiums for their beloved companions at an average monthly cost of £114, according to MoneySuperMarket’s survey of UK pet owners. This may be due to the fact the breed has a significantly higher risk of 20 common disorders – including narrowed nostrils and obstructive airways syndrome – according to the Royal Veterinary College. 

Saarrah Mussa, pet insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “We don’t like to think about our pets getting sick or being hurt, but vet appointments and treatment can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, especially if your pet needs out of hours emergency care. 

“Pet insurance isn’t one size fits all. The cost depends on factors such as cover, breed, age and previous conditions, so it’s important to compare policies to find the right cover at the best price. When you’re comparing policies check the extra benefits that are included, for instance free video vet consultations, dental cover or pet travel insurance, to see what could add the most value for your pet. 

“There are three tips to try when you’re comparing policies to get the best price for your pet insurance. Number one is to pay annually, if you can, because overall it can be cheaper than paying monthly. Secondly, think about the excess - this is the amount you pay towards a vet’s bill if you need to make a claim. The higher the excess, the lower the cost of the policy. Just make sure you can afford to pay a higher excess if you do need to make a claim. Thirdly, if your finances are stretched, consider reducing the level of cover or changing the type of policy to help bring the cost down.” 

Find out more about pet insurance via the MoneySuperMarket website.