Pet owners feel the pinch as cost of living rises

Owner of GV Boarding Kennels & Cattery in Congupna Jody Hafey has seen the issue up close, receiving an estimated average of four emergency calls per week.

“We see people in crisis constantly, especially lately,” Ms Hafey said.

Ms Hafey has assisted people facing cost-of-living pressures, homelessness and domestic violence.

Ms Hafey recalled one woman whose Jack Russell terrier had developed a chronic condition and the necessary medication cost more than her pension.

Another woman considered forgoing essential medical care because she was unable to afford the cost of boarding her pet.

Fortunately, both women were able to keep their pets thanks to help from Ms Hafey and donations from the community.

Ms Hafey said that a pet could mean everything to isolated people.

“It gives them a reason to get up every morning and face the world,” she said.

Rising costs have also made it harder for Ms Hafey to keep running her business and provide the help that she does.

“Every time I turn around, I see the prices have increased,” she said.

“It’s getting harder and harder and harder.”

Ms Hafey estimates that her pet food costs have increased by around 40 per cent in the past year.

Research from the Petstock Foundation found that 28 per cent of pet owners have cut back on their own meals to afford pet food in the past 12 months.

The research also found that while 19 per cent of pet owners needed help affording pet food, only six per cent accessed help.

Ms Hafey is currently working with community groups and vet clinics on setting up a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable pet owners.