Even In A Recession, Companion Animal Owners Will Provide For Their Furry Friends

A national survey of 665 companion animal owners released at the North American Veterinary Conference showed that if financial issues caused companion animal owners to curtail their monthly expenses, they are far more likely to cut back on luxury items, electronics — and even groceries and household goods — than on care or supplies for their companion animals.

The Fleishman-Hillard survey offered insight into why companion animal owners may be willing to sacrifice their own needs for the needs of their companion animals. Most companion animal owners said they consider their companion animals to be members of their family, like a child, sister, or brother, though if financial constraints mandated reduced spending, it would most likely be on companion animal fashions, toys, and trips to professionals (walkers, sitters, and groomers).

Nearly one-third of the companion animal owners surveyed also said they may cut their spending on veterinary visits and preventative medications as well, if faced with significant financial constraints.