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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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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Burger King is giving away FREE vegan burgers to meat lovers to prove how ‘tasty’ they are
Emily Sergeant
Reckon you could swap out meat for a vegan alternative?
Now we know there’ll be droves of meat-lovers who read that question with their noses turned up, immediately dismissing the possibility that it would ever be something they’d consider… but what if we told you it was free?
That’s right – Burger King has announced that for the next week or so, it’ll be delivering its delicious Vegan Royale burgers to meat-loving customers for free, all with the aim of giving them a chance to experience just how tasty and satisfying plant-based foods can be, and prove that they won’t miss out by giving it a go.
The Vegan Royale is Burger King’s take on its legendary Chicken Royale burger, and sees a crispy vegan patty – that’s meant to be an alternative to chicken – topped with iceberg lettuce, vegan mayo, and crowned with a toasted sesame seed bun.
Burger King is giving away free vegan burgers to meat lovers to prove how ‘tasty’ they are / Credit: Burger King UK
The fast food chain‘s campaign is in partnership with The Vegetarian Butcher, and comes as shocking new research has revealed that more than 40% of meat eaters admit to having never tasted a plant-based burger.
On the other hand, that same research also found that the UK appears to eb embracing plant-based foods more than ever, as nearly 60% of the population say that are open to trying it.
67% of those who once thought plant-based food wasn’t for them say a great meat alternative burger was what changed their mind – so maybe this is what the Vegan Royale can be for you, if you’re willing to give it a chance.
So, to give hungry customers a taste of what the fuss is all about, Burger King will be offering anyone who orders on UberEats or Just Eat, with a minimum spend of £20, a Vegan Royale burger for free of charge along with the rest of their order.
But you’ll need to be quick though, as this tasty offer is only available until Tuesday 8 July.
Featured Image – Burger King UK
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The latest on Salford Red Devils financial situation as ‘winding-up’ petition is adjourned
Danny Jones
The current situation at Salford Red Devils is far from ideal, with the rugby league team currently owing hundreds of thousands of pounds in debt, not to mention facing further stress over finances with players owed wages, key personnel leaving and remaining uncertainty over future ownership.
So, why is the board expressing reassurance among supporters following the recent adjournment of a ‘winding-up’ petition, and what exactly does this mean?
It is no doubt a complex issue, but with the season concluding in October and the Greater Manchester club essentially being given a stay of execution, for lack of a better phrase, it’s possible that a corner could hopefully be turned soon.
Here’s everything we know so far about the situation in Salford and where the Red Devils’ finances are currently at.
Salford Red Devils’ finances and more – explained
For a start, they’re late on payroll again this month.
Salford Red Devils players have been told they will not receive their salaries today.https://t.co/ofHTR0uZyN
According to recent reports, Salford Red Devils owe more than half a million pounds to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at present, with current estimates said to be in the region of £600,000.
The Super League side has fallen into debt due to a number of factors: their own performance as a business, cuts to local funding and a period of spending in terms of recruitment and pre-season preparation under the assumption of a subsidy from Salford City Council (SCC).
However, this would-be uplift – despite it being promised late last year – never came as the Council (having already provided £315k in ‘immediate’ financial aid back in March 2024) U-turned on the decision after it was revealed further backing was not in the budget.
SCC ended up owing around £2 million itself after stepping in to save both SRD and fellow rugby league outfit Swinton Lions, handing out loans to both clubs even prior to purchasing Salford Community Stadium and the surrounding area.
The Council ultimately shelled out north of £7.7m to buy the ground and sever commercial ties with previous owners, Peel. They had hoped to further alleviate pressure on the club, but Salford Red Devils (SRD) had already spent the money they were expecting to receive on new players, training and more.
SRD were then told to sell off a number of players by the league.
With all this in mind, something called a ‘winding-up’ petition – basically a document sent by creditors that demands the immediate liquidation of a company/organisation that owes them money – was filed by HMRC back in May, with the tax authorities demanding payment of the outstanding sum.
However, special dispensation appears to have been made not only due to the complicated and unforeseen circumstances Salford have faced along the way, but also for the sake of the Rugby Football League (RFL) itself, with the Red Devils still seen as a valuable sporting and community asset.
One of those unexpected twists was the takeover by a new consortium led by Dario Berta, whose investment failed to clear in time and resulted in the club being hit with the financial sustainability problem that saw them cutbacks.
In a small bit of good fortune, it has now been decided that the petition to liquidate the SRD has been postponed, though not indefinitely.
As expected, there is good news that the winding-up petition filed by HMRC against Salford Red Devils has been successfully adjourned by the club's representatives in London until after the season has finished in September.
It's important to focus on supporting Salford as they…
— The Game Caller 🗣🎙📻 (@TheGameCaller) June 25, 2025
What could happen next?
The date for coughing up what debt they owe to the tax authorities has now been pushed back to September, meaning they have until then to find the finances, or else they could very well be made insolvent in a matter of months.
However, as per BBC Radio Manchester, those involved in the ongoing process are “confident” that bridging loans will be put in place over the coming days to keep HMRC at bay.
And, nevertheless, head coach Paul Rowley has insisted that he can see “green shoots” starting to emerge around the club, despite still sitting bottom of the table with just one win to their name.
What’s for sure is that the local area isn’t giving up on them, with numerous fundraisers and charity events being set up to help support the club via the official Salford Red Devils Foundation.
Fingers firmly crossed that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Daisy Jackson -
6th July 2022 
