The costs of everyday living are surging and, understandably, more people are worrying about how they’re going to be able to afford to cover their expenses, including their pets.
The RSPCA has put together eight tips to try and help people save money while still caring for their furry, feathered or scaled friends.
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Consider switching food
The RSPCA has suggested researching for cheaper pet food that still has all the dietary benefits your pet needs, or mixing their regular food with a cheaper brand to make it stretch further.
The charity also pointed out that dry food goes much further than wet food.
It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
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Buy prescriptions online
It’s often cheaper to buy medication online, rather than purchasing it directly from a vet.
Your vet can write a prescription for a small fee, leaving you free to order the medication online.
Ditch the pet-sitter
Stop paying for expensive dog-walkers if you can, the RSPCA says. Credit: Unsplash
The RSPCA has also suggested using trusted friends and family to help you care for your animal when you’re out at work or away.
Professional dog-walkers and pet-sitters can be expensive.
They said: “Why not start up a responsible community group where you all help each other out with pet care? Just remember to introduce your pets to new people gradually and ensure they are comfortable with their new friends before leaving them in charge.”
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Payment plans
Vet bills can quickly add up, and of course we’re all happy to spend money on our beloved pets’ welfare.
But did you know some vets offer payment plans so that you can spread the cost, allowing you to spread the cost across several weeks or months.
Shop around for insurance
Pet insurance can be expensive so it’s worth shopping around, the RSPCA says. Credit: Unsplash
As with all insurance, premiums can go up quickly, but you can usually find better deals if you spend the time to shop around.
The RSPCA has warned that you take care to find a policy without limitations, and remember that pre-existing conditions won’t be covered.
Make your own toys and treats
You don’t need to stop pampering your pooch just because you’re pinching the pennies – the RSPCA has a few tips for DIY enrichment.
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You can make your own pet treats, toys and activities, like a puzzle feeder for cats or even tiny sushi for guinea pigs.
Focus on prevention
Preventing problems is usually cheaper than treating them once they arise, such as behavioural problems, worming, and flea treatments.
These issues can all become costly if they aren’t addressed.
Some vets offer a paid monthly subscription for wormer, tick and flea treatment to spread the cost.
Exotic pet care
The RSPCA has tips for caring for exotic pets. Credit: Unsplash
A lot of exotic pet breeds have a complex list of needs, including heating and lighting.
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The RSPCA has suggested moving multiple animals into the same room so that heat sources don’t have to work too hard, cutting down on energy bills.
They said: “Don’t be tempted to turn down temperatures or light sources as this can lead to debilitating conditions for exotic animals – and potentially high vet bills in the future. Speak to your energy supplier if you’re struggling, they may be able to offer a cheaper tariff or payment plan.”
Featured image: Unsplash
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A tribute festival in memory of Mani from The Stone have been announced
Danny Jones
After plenty of talk and rumours ever since his passing, a tribute festival in memory of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield will honour the late great Stone Roses and Primal Scream bass player later this year.
Despite various organisations and regional residents having observed their own memorial services following his death on 20 November 2025, the city and Greater Manchester as a whole made it clear that they wanted to carry out a more dedicated form of remembrance.
And we couldn’t agree more.
Deciding to remember him in the past best way possible – by celebrating one of his greatest loves and legacies: music – ‘Manichester’ festival will be held this spring.
Hosted in partnership with Madchester.com and simply dubbed as “a tribute to a true Manc legend”, names both new, old and current will be joining the inaugural Manichester lineup.
Organised by the website and iconic Manchester streetwear brand GIOGOI, not to mention being “blessed by Mani’s family” directly, artists playing will range from those who were lucky enough to have played with him or, like us all, were simply left inspired by his unforgettable basslines.
As well as a ‘AAA headliner’ still yet to be confirmed, there are some serious legendary names on here, both local and beyond; at the minute, the roster of acts is looking like this:
Manichester 2026 lineup
Cast
Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order)
The Kowloons
A “specially assembled core band” featuring Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses), Rowetta, Simone Butler (formerly Primal Scream) and Mick Rossi (Slaughter and The Dogs)
Dave McCabe (The Zutons)
Baz Fratelli (The Fratellis)
Zak Starkey (Mantra of the Cosmos)
Steve White (ex-Oasis drummer)
Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers)
However, as they have teased in the announcement, “that’s just the start”, and with more names incoming, many are already trying to guess who the headliner could be. Some have even suggested Ian Brown himself might get up on the stage…
As per an official statement, key artwork for the event comes from the one and only and equally influential Stone Roses guitarist, John Squire, whose new designs will feature on flyers, limited-edition physical tickets and other promotional materials.
Manichester will take place on Saturday May 30, doors open 2pm.
Most importantly, all the proceeds from the special one-off in memoriam show will go towards Mani’s and Imelda’s twin boys, Gene and George – and who knows? This could be the start of a brand-new annual festival spawned in the name of a very special Mancunian.
GIOGOI added: “Manchester is the best city in the world, and we do things differently here. This is Manchester showing up. This is Madchester showing love. This is ‘Manichester’.“
Taking place on Saturday, 30 May and held at Diecast on Ducie Street in Manchester city centre from 2pm, it’s sure to be a momentous ocassions with thoughts of Mani and his family looming large in everyone’s minds.
The Premier League is keeping its crucial cap on away game ticket prices – for now
Danny Jones
The Premier League has announced it is extending its crucial price cap for away games, as the general cost of match tickets continues to creep up all over the country.
Most season card holders, be they here in Greater Manchester or elsewhere, are likely looking at their annual spending going up simply, so steps like these are key in keeping first division football as affordable as possible.
And that’s just the ongoing cost of living, let alone the clubs that are continuing the trend of charging more each year and, unfortunately, even pricing some supporters out entirely.
With that in mind, the news of England’s top-flight sides voting unanimously to keep the £30 cap intact for at least another two years comes as relief to those who spend most of the year putting their hard-earned cash towards following their team home and away.
BREAKING: The Premier League extend £30 cap on away tickets for another two seasons 🚨 pic.twitter.com/L336aZwmn3
Now confirmed to remain in place until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, travelling fans obviously still spend plenty of money on transport and so on every year, but at least they don’t have to worry about rising general admissions.
At least not for the time being…
Writing in a statement, the Premier League said: “Away fans help create the incredible atmosphere Premier League matches are renowned for. Since the cap’s implementation in 2016, it has contributed to attendance at away games increasing from 82% to 91%.”
They also acknowledged the significant and regular funds that supporters still spend on these trips, with plenty of people online also praising the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which helped spearhead the campaign over a decade ago.
With so many other obstacles still getting in the way of fans making it to games either at their usual stadium or on an away day – not least of all the constant and increasingly frustrating rescheduling of fixtures – it’s good to see this isn’t an area the Prem are trying to target.
As always, the multi-billion-pound business can always seek out other, newer money spinners, and we’re absolutley certain they will. For instance, there’s at least one happening over in Spain that we’d happily see carried over here.
Following the news, this now means that fans will ultimately have enjoyed 12 back-to-back seasons of the benefit, and long may it continue.
Nevertheless, the biggest barrier for people to watch the beautiful game at its highest level in the UK remains the cost of standard tickets.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds and more have already let matchgoers know that their season ticket prices will be going up, and the likes of Man City have already seen backlash for increasing rates amid the expansion of the Etihad Campus.
Daisy Jackson -
6th July 2022 
