With one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, Australians love their furry best friends.  However, Australia’s cost of living crisis has left many pet owners in a difficult and expensive situation, wondering if their beloved pets are worth the costs.

The cost of pet products has jumped by almost 12% in the last couple years.  The increased cost of not only pet food, but medications, mandatory shots and, vet bills has forced many to give over their pets to animal rescue organisations.  These organisations are now also struggling and encouraging those who can afford it, to adopt a rescue pet. Our cost of living crisis has now left our pets in crisis.

Image: Image: Shutterstock, Holli

Produced By: Julia Schmidt

Featured In Story: Nicki Hutley, President of the NSW Branch of the Economics Society of Australia, and

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 20 June 2023