National Pet Day: 9 Ways to treat your pet on a budget.

National Pet Day takes place on April 11 every year, encouraging us to celebrate the joy that animals bring to our lives. Data released in 2023 by Pets at Home revealed that 71% of owners feel happier because of their pet.

It’s estimated that 57% of UK households own at least one pet. Dogs were the most popular choice, with 31% of households hosting a canine companion.

Of course, we don’t need an excuse to spoil our furry friends – it’s no secret that we’re a nation of pet lovers! It’s reported that 36% of owners wrap presents for their pets at Christmas, with an additional 23% of pets even being treated to a special advent calendar as well!

Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis has not escaped pet owners, with 86% agreeing that the cost of ownership has increased. A further 22% said that the cost-of-living crisis has affected how their pet is cared for.

60% of owners stated that they were willing to cut back on restaurants and take-aways and buy fewer treats for themselves if it meant that their pet could continue to have the same quality of life.

1. Go on an adventure together

“Has your dog got a favourite walking route?” Dan asks. “Maybe they’re a beach babe at heart, or perhaps they love nothing more than a good zoomie around your local fields.

Whatever the weather, take your dog on an adventure you know they’ll love. A good, long walk? Costless. The ecstatic wag of your dog’s tail? Priceless.”

2. Make time for them

“Some dogs will happily play fetch for hours, whereas others enjoy being pampered with a good groom. Whatever your dog’s activity of choice, make time to play and give them lots of attention, even if that means getting up half an hour earlier before work.

Ball launcher sticks can be purchased for as little as £2 at Pets at Home, and you can find dog grooming gloves for £2.99 at Mountain Warehouse .”

3. Treasure hunt

“Provide hours of fun by making your dog a ‘destruction box.’ All you’ll need is an empty, medium-sized cardboard box, some old newspaper, and a handful of their favourite biscuits. Scrunch the newspaper and fill the box, then scatter in the treats so they’re hidden. Your dog will love using their nose to find the goodies in the box. You could even add a new toy for them to discover.”

1. Eggbox enrichment

“Cats need enrichment to help keep their brain stimulated.

Don’t throw your old eggboxes away – save them for the cat! Fill the holes with your cat’s food and preferred snacks. Close the lid halfway and let your cat solve the puzzle of getting the box open and accessing the rewards.”

2. Make your own treats

“Check out this recipe for tuna biscuits! With just three ingredients, they’re super easy to make, and guaranteed to put you in your cat’s good books for a couple of days. Be sure to only give your cat unseasoned tuna in spring water, rather than brine or oil.”

3. Penny-saving play

“You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your cat entertained. Believe it or not, a ball of crumpled paper can make for an enthralling plaything for cats. You can also make use of empty toilet roll tubes by gifting them to your cat as they are, or folding the ends, adding treats, and letting kitty solve the puzzle.”

1. Free roaming

“Small animals can easily become frustrated if they’re cooped up in their cages and huts all day. It’s important to set time aside to interact with your tiny pal and give them the chance to stretch their legs. For a real treat, you may wish to consider ‘free roaming.’

“You can find roaming pens on Amazon for around £10. Fill the pen with a handful of your pet’s toys and hide some treats for them to sniff out. Carefully let your pet out and allow them to wander around the pen as they please. Make sure they’re supervised and have access to fresh water at all times.”

“Small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits enjoy embracing their natural instincts by foraging for food. Rather than placing your pet’s meal in a bowl, scatter it around their enclosure and bury some within their hideouts. To really show your pet some love, you can buy foraging mixes which include herbs and edible flowers. We love these specialist mixes at Bunny Bistro and Bunny and Friends Ranch – prices start from around £2.99.”

“For a real teatime treat for your small animal, rustle up some ‘sushi’! Cut a generous section of courgette and carve out the middle. Add fillings of your choice: this could be your pet’s most loved nibbles, or an array of suitable fruits and veggies. Once the filling has been packed in, slice the courgette into smaller ‘rolls’ and serve! Not only will your precious pets be delighted with their Michelin starred meal, but this is also a great opportunity to make use of leftover veggies.”

Dan adds, “You can find a full list of small animal safe fruit and vegetables here.”

  

-ENDS- 

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Viva Money is not a lender but is a fully regulated and authorised credit broker. Viva Money is a registered Trading Name of Digitonomy Limited, Registered in England and Wales (Company number 08385135), Registered Office; Steam Mill Business Centre, Steam Mill Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AN. Digitonomy Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number: 690249. Licenced by the Information Commissioners Office, (registration number ZA007309)       

   

Website: https://vivamoney.co.uk/ 

   
Dan Whittaker - Personal Finance Expert at Viva Money    

   

Dan has worked in the consumer finance sector for over a decade in a number of roles, including developing and maintaining commercial partnerships, marketing, and digital development.    

    

Dan has strong market and product knowledge across a range of consumer finance products including, but not limited to, credit cards, savings, loans, and mortgages.