South Australian pet owners are increasingly concerned about the expense of keeping their pets healthy

As the price of pet food and vet bills continues to skyrocket, some animal owners say they face the choice between feeding themselves or feeding their pooch.

Jane Price with her dogs, Baby, 7, and Teddy, 7, at home in Toorak Gardens. Picture: Matt Loxton

South Australian pet owners are increasingly concerned as the price of food and health services continues to skyrocket. .

Data released by Animal Medicines Australia reveals that Australians spend $33 billion on their pets annually.

Jane Price, of Toorak Gardens, said she is continuously concerned about the costs associated with keeping her two dogs, Baby and Teddy, healthy.

The 55-year-old said she would spend an estimated $5000 to $10,000 on her dogs each year.

“They’re prone to issues with their teeth and they get them cleaned regularly which is very expensive,” she said.

Jane Price with her dogs, Baby, 7, and Teddy, 7, at home in Toorak Gardens home. Picture: Matt Loxton

“I also don’t want to stop buying food from the vet as it might compromise their health.”

The statistics show that 34 per cent of dog owners spend over $2000 annually on their pets in comparison to 15 per cent pre-pandemic.

Ms Price said she has noticed a climb in the prices of veterinarian bills and food since Covid-19 first hit Australian shores.

“It (food and vet bills) has gone up but I won’t compromise their health, I’ll go without food rather than give them second grade food,” she said.

Ms Price said she has started cutting and washing the dogs’ hair herself, as well as making personal sacrifices.

“I’ve looked at creative ways to save money when it comes to my dogs and I bought a pair of nail clippers and cut their nails now rather than paying the vet to do it,” she said.

“I’ve been cutting out buying a coffee once a day so I can afford it all.”

Originally published as South Australian pet owners are increasingly concerned about the expense of keeping their pets healthy