Battersea Dogs & Cats Home launches credit crunch-busting tips for pet owners

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is today launching top tips to help cash-strapped pet owners care for their dogs and cats during the credit crunch. The world-famous dog and cat rescue organisation has taken the step in response to concerns that people may be worried about the cost of keeping a pet in the current economic climate. 

Scott Craddock, Director of Operations at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “We know that some people are worried about the cost of keeping cats and dogs at the moment. These tips should give people some help on how to look after a dog or cat on a budget.” The tips include advice on food, vet bills and toys.

Ali Taylor, Head of Animal Welfare Training at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “You don’t have to spend a fortune on your dog to keep him fit and healthy.  Buying a complete* dry food rather than tins of dog food is a good starting point. If you buy it in large quantities it will work out even cheaper. Insurance is always a good idea to avoid nasty surprises with vet bills.”

Kirsty Walker, Head of Cats at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “Car boot sales and charity shops are a good place to start looking for cat ‘essentials’, and can be very cheap.” She continued: “Cats also really like to snuggle down with a blanket for a sleep in a cardboard box, so you really don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive beds as your cat won’t know the difference.”

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has not seen a large increase in people bringing their animals into the Home because they can’t afford to keep them. It has however seen a significant rise in stray dogs, which it believes is partly due to the credit crunch*.

Looking after your dog cheaply (50 kb)  Looking after your cat cheaply (47 kb)