According to new data from RSPCA WA, it’s getting harder for people to keep new animals, due to the financial pressures being felt across the state.

A theme of National Pet Day, held every year on 11 April, is encouraging people to adopt a new furry friend, if possible. 

Cannington Vet Kim McCleary says she’s noticed how tighter budgets are affecting families.,

“You can feel people being impacted a lot more with what people can do and what people can afford to do at the vet,” she says.  

Four months into 2024, RSPCA WA reported a 44 per cent increase in the number of animals surrendered. Over 300 surrender requests have been made in WA in the last three months. 

“Sometimes it might be a matter of teeth being bad and people not understanding the impact that it has on the animal’s health, and they are reluctant to do procedures because of the cost,” Dr McCleary says. 

Kate Jarman is a Perth-based artist and mother, and has continued to rescue cats throughout her adult life. She now shares this love with her 16-year-old son Louis.

Ms Jarman and her son currently house three adopted cats: Evie, Stevie, and Eddie.

She says with prices increasing, pet owners like them have had to innovate in their approach to cost cutting.

“I think with everything else increasing, you really feel the squeeze everywhere. We get their pet food from Petbarn, and they always seem to be doing specials, which helps,” Ms Jarman says. 

Ms Jarman and her son have thought of different ways to keep their three cats fed, happy, and engaged, and make sure supplies last longer.

“I would say adding roast vegetables to the kibble, so potatoes and cheaper vegetables, make them fuller faster. Potatoes and pumpkin. You just have to make sure there is no onion or garlic,” she says. 

According to Dr McCleary, cutting costs can be difficult, but knowing the healthiest options for your pet is necessary.

“I think sometimes it’s a little bit of doing a mix and match, you know, using the best quality food that you can, checking that it does have all of the certifications,” she says. 

She also suggested mixing raw or home-cooked additions with the kibble. 

Dr McCleary discusses affordable worming options.

In the 2023 financial year, nearly 30 per cent of Australians chose to adopt their animals from shelters. 

Ms Jarman brought Evie and Stevie into their home after Ms Jarman lost her mother to cancer. They say this brought her and her children joy in a time of sadness.

Louis Jarman says although it’s wonderful to be able to adopt a cat, it’s important not to get one impulsively; cats are cute, but you need to do your research first.