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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Greggs renames one of its bestselling bakes after Andy Burnham says it’s his favourite
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has decided to rename one of its bestselling bakes in honour of Andy Burnham.
In case you didn’t know, the new Number 10 North offices in Manchester’s Heron House share a building with lots of other businesses, some independent, some chains – and one of those businesses is the ever-popular high street bakery Greggs.
And we wouldn’t put it past Andy Burnham, being the northerner he is, to have chosen those offices specifically for that reason.
Okay, we’re obviously kidding, but considering the Prime Minister really doesn’t have to venture that far for a Greggs when he’s at work in Manchester now, he’s been asked in a recent interview this week what his go-to order is from the bakery chain.
When asked to name his favourite Greggs bake, Andy replied: “That sausage, bean, and cheese thing,” which, of course, refers to the popular Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt.
Greggs has renamed one of its bestselling bakes after Andy Burnham said it’s his favourite / Credit: Supplied | gov.uk
According to Greggs, sales of that bake have doubled following the interview, particularly at the Heron House store, as curious Mancs and Number 10 North staff queued to sample the PM’s preferred pasty – so naturally, Greggs has decided to rename the item the ‘Sausage, Bean and Cheese Thing’ in his honour.
Workers at the Heron House shop were photographed changing the signage of the bake yesterday morning, and digital screens in the shop were also updated following the interview.
Andy himself has approved the change, taking to Instagram to say: “Has a nice ring to it tbf. Thanks [Greggs], that’s my order baked in for life now.”
Warren McCarrick, shop manager at the Greggs outside Number 10 North, said: “Our shop has been buzzing with Mancs getting their hands on Burnham’s favourite bake. Sales have gone through the roof this morning – cheers, Andy.
“We thought we’d repay the favour and rename it to what the Prime Minister seems to fondly know it as, that Sausage, Bean and Cheese Thing.
“We’ve also dropped off a few outside Number 10 North, in case he’s too shy to be seen in the queue.”
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester City’s Stadium Tours are back for the summer and bigger than ever
Danny Jones
Manchester City stadium tours are back for summer 2026, with more to see from the home of the Blues than ever, and with 15% off all tickets until the end of August, too.
It’s safe to say that Man City are going through a HUGE period of change right now: embarking on a new era under Enzo Maresca following the dynasty of Pep Guardiola, vast redevelopments of the wider Etihad Campus, a new club hotel, and the expansion of the North Stand – now named after said Catalan coach.
With that in mind, there’s so much new stuff going on over in East Manchester and arguably more of it all happening in one place than we can recall in recent memory, making it the perfect time for Cityzens to return to the famous home ground – indeed, your Etihad debut if you haven’t made one already.
Giving you greater access to areas usually reserved for players and staff only than ever, this exclusive, interactive and virtual tour will take you through the very bones of the storied sporting arena, all the way through to pitchside.
Fans can explore the dressing room and follow in the footsteps of their favourite City players as they walk through the iconic glass players’ tunnel, before walking out into the open air and sitting in the dugout to take in that incredible view.
You can also try out the latest ‘Beyond the Blue Moon’ experience – an immersive VR adventure that sees supporters journey through Manchester City’s past, present, and future.
Following on from Pep lending his likeness, using innovative technology, you can now even have the chance to put your questions to Erling Haaland in the Press Conference Room.
There aren’t many teams on the planet that offer this level of stadium tour, let alone just here in the UK, so it’s no wonder they remain award-winning almost every single year.
Whether you’re a lifelong City fan, a football lover or visiting this wonderful place we call Manchester for the very first time, there’s something for everyone.
For instance, with The Medlock Hotel and accompanying Medlock Square already lining up its maiden events, the City Football Group (CFG) are once again committing to make the wider Etihad Campus an all-year-round entertainment destination.
That being said, plenty of people online have been generating a lot of buzz about the aforementioned Medlock’s new stadium-view rooms since clips appeared on social media.
Pitch view rooms coming to the Radisson Blu Medlock Hotel at #ManCity’s Etihad Stadium. 🤯
As for the tickets themselves, the club have also taken steps to keep the cost affordable.
Standard prices start from just £32 for adults and only £20 for under-16s, with larger family packages available from £60.
BUT, with the 15% discount mentioned earlier, adults currently cost just £27; kids go for just £17, and those family passes start from just £51.
You can find all the options when it comes to stadium tour passes and grab the type of admission that suits you right HERE.
Speaking of tickets, City have also been met with praise for the introduction of new discounted seats for local residents; find out all the details below.
Daisy Jackson -
6th July 2022 
