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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Sainsbury’s and Tesco become latest retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues
Emily Sergeant
Sainsbury’s and Tesco have become the two latest retailers to halt the selling of disposable barbecues amid wildfire risks.
The UK is currently in the midst of the second heatwave of the year, with temperatures soaring and a heat-health warning issued by the UKHSA, and now, following a rise in the number of wildfires reported in relation to the warm weather, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have made the decision to stop selling disposable barbecues at all stores.
These two supermarket giants have notably followed in the footsteps of M&S, which confirmed earlier this month that it had taken the “precautionary step” of removing disposable barbecues from sale across the UK.
Sainsbury’s and Tesco are the two latest retailers to halt the selling of disposable barbecues / Credit: Tesco | Sainsbury’s
Waitrose, Aldi, and other retailers had previously also announced they would no longer stock disposable barbecues due to their “detrimental impact” on the environment and wildlife.
Morrisons, and the Co-op say they do not sell disposable barbecues close to UK national parks.
Confirming the halting of disposable barbecue sales until further notice, also as a “precautionary measure”, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “Safety is our highest priority and we have made this decision due to the hot and dry weather that we are currently experiencing across the country.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and listen to customer feedback.”
The move by retailers comes as fire services nationwide warning of “tinderbox conditions” / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Tesco has also confirmed that its decision to stop selling disposable barbecues is a temporary one, and says it will continue to sell small metal portable barbecues instead – with disposables set to be made available again once weather conditions allow.
The move by retailers comes as fire services nationwide warning of “tinderbox conditions”.
They have asked people not to use barbecues in the countryside, public greenspaces, and high-risk places – such as balconies and on dry grass – after an increase in the number of call-outs.
Featured Image – Instant BBQ
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Chester Zoo shares video of ‘rare’ baby giraffe falling 6ft to the ground as it’s born
Emily Sergeant
Cameras and Chester Zoo have captured the moment a rare baby giraffe made its entrance into the world this past weekend.
And it’s fair to say, he certainly burst onto the scene.
In a birth that’s unlike many others and appeared to shock the surrounding long-legged residents, Chester Zoo has shared a video of the adorable new giraffe calf falling more than 6ft onto a bed of soft straw as he arrived into the world, after 14-year-old mum, Orla, gave birth last Saturday at 2:57am – which brought to an end to a 15 month-long (473 day) pregnancy
The incredible CCTV footage also shows the moment the newborn stands up and takes his very first steps and enjoys his first feed – a moment zookeepers say is “vitally important” for the bond between mum and baby.
Chester Zoo’s giraffe team manager Sarah Roffe explained that, while it may sound unusual, this 6ft-high fall is “a really important part of the birthing process” for giraffes, as it’s what helps to break the umbilical cord and stimulate the calf to take its very first breath.
“While tiny in comparison to mum Orla, her new arrival was born already towering above us at 6ft tall and weighing a hefty 72kg,” Sarah added.
She continued: “Following the dramatic birth, it’s vitally important that the calf gets to its feet quickly and ventures over to mum for its first feed, as it’s these precious early moments that help to cement that special bond between the two of them – and that’s exactly what occurred between Orla and her baby only minutes after his birth.
“It’s early days, but so far the calf is looking strong, healthy and very content, which is brilliant to see.”
Keepers at the UK’s biggest charity zoo have named the new male giraffe calf Stanley after Mount Stanley, which is the tallest mountain in Uganda in Africa.
Chester Zoo cameras captured the moment a rare baby giraffe made its entrance into the world / Credit: Chester Zoo
Uganda is where the zoo’s conservationists are fighting to boost giraffe numbers.
Right across Africa, giraffes are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – which is the world’s authority on the state of the natural world – and although Rothschild’s giraffe numbers are now increasing due to conservation efforts, fewer than 2,500 remain in East Africa.
As their habitats have been lost to make way for mining, urban development, or agricultural farming, as well as poaching for their skin, tails, or meat, Rothschild’s giraffes are now considered one of Africa’s most at-risk mammals.
However, Chester Zoo says that in some parts of Uganda – where the zoo and its partners are actively working – numbers are steadily on the rise, and it’s thanks to decades of conservation efforts.
Keepers have named the new male giraffe calf Stanley / Credit: Chester Zoo
“Having a healthy new calf on the ground here at the zoo is therefore fantastic news for the threatened species breeding programme that’s boosting numbers in conservation zoos like ours,” added Mike Jordan – Director of Animals and Plants at Chester Zoo.
“In tandem with the breeding programme, our team of giraffe experts have been helping our long term partners… to protect, monitor and, in some cases, translocate giraffes from one area of Uganda to another.
Just over two decades ago the number of giraffes in Kidepo Valley National Park was in single digits, but with these conservation efforts it’s now a protected reserve that’s home to more than 70 adult Rothschild’s giraffes, with calves being born year on year.
“This is just one of the many successful conservation stories that our charity zoo is proud to be part of and really shows that there are good people out there fighting to save species from extinction.”
Daisy Jackson -
6th July 2022 
