UK owners spent over £1450 on their pets in 2024
On average, dog owners spent £713 on essentials, covering food (£352), vaccinations (£133), and vet bills (£228)
Pet owners in the UK have spent an average of £1,486 on their dogs and £1,479 on their cats in 2024, according to a survey of 1,000 UK cat and dog owners by Opinium Research, a market research and insight agency, for Insure Your Paws, a specialist pet insurance provider.
The findings revealed 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.
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.
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.
Similarly, 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).
Additionally, the survey highlighted that 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.”
