The hits keep coming on family budgets, with ongoing inflation and sharp fuel price shocks leaving less for anything beyond the essentials. With pet parents feeling the pressure, PD Insurance Chief Operating Officer Michelle Le Long offers practical advice to help reduce costs and support happy, healthy pets.
“Research we conducted in 2025 showed that rising prices are far from invisible when it comes to pets,” says Le Long. “And it’s quite concerning, with some even having to delay medical treatment for their pets because it’s just getting too expensive.”
The pet insurance specialist’s ‘Pet Costs Survey’ revealed that 89.4% of pet parents reported an increase in overall pet care expenses since 2024. The biggest hits to the pocket included higher pet food prices (cited by 84.3% of respondents), vet visits (77.6%), more expensive toys and accessories (30%), and higher grooming costs. Going away also costs more, with 24.1% singling out higher boarding fees.
“But the biggest worry is the 29% of pet parents who delayed or avoided routine vet care due to these pressures,” Le Long adds. “This is incredibly difficult for both the people and pets involved, and it’s a situation no pet parent ever wants to face.”
She says applying some pet-centric cost-reduction strategies could help make a difference.
1. DIY is gold for grooming and exercise
Regular grooming is important for many breeds, particularly those with long, curly, or high-shedding coats. “Professional services are convenient and deliver great outcomes, and for many people they’re an absolute must,” Le Long points out. “That said, they do come with a cost, which can be a consideration when budgets are really tight.”
She adds that where practical, a DIY approach to both grooming and exercise fosters bonding between pet and pet parent.
“Someone once said, ‘you might as well enjoy everything you do.’ Bringing this mindset to every interaction with your pet means making the most of it. And bear in mind, while walkies might feel like a big ask in a busy day, fresh air and exercise are as good for you as it is for your pet.”
Handling brushing and basic clipping yourself is easily achieved, and investing in a good-quality clipper and quality brushes expedites the task. Le Long adds that online tutorials from professional groomers and vets on platforms like YouTube demystify grooming for beginners and provide handy tips useful even to experienced hands.
2. Combine trips for EVERYTHING (and no need to splurge on toys)
“There’s no avoiding it: fuel prices right now are CRAZY,” acknowledges Le Long. “That makes every trip more expensive. It should also make you think twice about getting the most out of every drive.”
A personal tip she applies is taking her bulldog Buster with her when popping down the shops, effectively combining errands with his walk and reducing mileage and fuel consumption as a result. “Don’t leave pets alone in the car, of course,” Le Long adds. “But combined trips are a good idea for all local travel.”
She adds that drives can also be shortened by looking for local options for walkies and other outings.
“Nothing’s more local than setting out from your front door with the pup on the leash!” she smiles.
When it comes to pet gadgets, Le Long points out that the box is sometimes more engaging than the toy itself. “Pets love novelty, but they love your attention more than anything else. In other words, you don’t always need fancy contraptions. Simple household items like scrunched paper on a string, braided rope, toilet rolls, or egg cartons can work brilliantly for cats and many dogs,” she says.
She adds that safety should always come first, though: toys should be free from small detachable parts, sharp edges, or anything that could be swallowed, and should be regularly checked for wear and tear. “String-based toys should always be used under supervision, and anything that starts to fray or break apart should be removed immediately to avoid tangling, choking or ingestion risks.”
3. Diet and healthcare
This is the big category, Le Long agrees, with pet parents feeling pressure at the tills for groceries, which often include pet food and treats. “This is where most people are hurting. Good nutrition is linked to health, so these are the areas where the most attention should be focused.”
Sticking to a balanced, quality diet and avoiding excessive ‘human food’ can eliminate avoidable vet visits. For example, liver troubles can be brought on by excessively rich or fatty foods like table scraps. Avoid bones, which can block tummies or splinter and damage teeth.
Compromises may be necessary, she adds, noting for example, that dry kibble is more affordable than wet food and can be turned into a “porridge” by adding water to increase volume without extra cost. “Buying larger bags can reduce the cost per kilo, and it’s worth looking out for bulk deals or subscription discounts. Sticking with a consistent diet can also help avoid digestive issues that may lead to unnecessary vet bills.”
Preventative care is pertinent,” says Le Long. “It extends to grooming, too: when you’re handling your cat or dog regularly, you’ll spot problems early on. For example, we get a lot of claims, sometimes for serious surgery, from grass seeds damaging skin and paws. If you’re on top of it, these kinds of injuries can be seen off before a vet’s visit is necessary.”
Le Long advises prioritising prevention wherever possible, while stressing the necessity to stay on top of vaccinations, neutering, flea/tick/worm treatments. “Letting down the guard on any of these may result in more expensive problems.”
She emphasises that pets are long-term family members. “Financial pressure shouldn’t have to mean compromising their welfare. With creativity and planning, Kiwis can continue to enjoy the huge benefits pets bring while keeping costs manageable.”