Charity Reveals Tips to Help Cash-Strapped Pet Owners Save Money

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. The tips will be available to visitors to the Home and at www.battersea.org.uk.

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*.

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*A complete dry diet means that all the nutrients the dog needs for the day are provided by the dry food. Consult a veterinary professional for further advice.

*The increase in stray dogs into the Home is also believed to be due to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act which means that stray dogs are no longer kept at police stations. They are now collected by Local Authority dog wardens who (in many cases) do not have kennels to keep the dogs, and so bring them straight to the Home. This means that less people are being reunited with their stray dogs outside the Home.

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