Before the Goodbye: Financial Pressures Putting Australian Pets and Their Families at Risk

AUSTRALIA, October 2026:  Pet Insurance Australia urges struggling pet owners to seek support early as new animal welfare figures highlight the growing challenges of keeping pets in loving homes.

For thousands of Australians, the thought of surrendering a beloved pet is heartbreaking. Yet rising living costs, housing insecurity and unexpected veterinary expenses are placing increasing pressure on households already struggling to make ends meet.

New figures released by Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) in its 2025–26 Impact Report reveal that owner surrenders accounted for 32% of animals entering member organisations’ care, compared with 25% the previous year.

Renting issues were responsible for 16% of surrenders, up from 13%, highlighting the difficulties many Australians face when trying to secure pet-friendly accommodation.

Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton says the findings are a timely reminder that surrendering a pet is not always about an owner no longer wanting their animal.

“For many families, giving up a pet isn’t a decision made because they’ve stopped loving them. It’s a decision made when they feel they’ve run out of options,” Crighton says.

“Whether it’s losing a rental property, facing an unexpected veterinary bill or simply struggling to cover everyday expenses, the pressures can become overwhelming. These are animals that are deeply loved, and families who desperately want to keep them.”

The Rising Cost of Keeping Pets Healthy

Financial pressures are particularly concerning when unexpected veterinary treatment is needed.

According to the PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2026, gastrointestinal conditions in adult dogs aged one to eight cost an average of $983 to treat, with the highest recorded treatment cost reaching $36,497.*

For adult cats in the same age group, urinary tract disorders averaged $1,448, with the highest treatment cost reaching $50,700.*

“Most people can budget for food, vaccinations and routine veterinary visits. It’s the unexpected illness or injury that can turn an already stretched household budget upside down,” Crighton says.

“When families are choosing between essential living expenses and veterinary treatment, it’s an incredibly stressful position to be in. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can sometimes allow a manageable health concern to become a much more serious problem.”

Pet Insurance Australia has previously highlighted research from Animal Medicines Australia indicating that 68% of pet owners have considered avoiding a veterinary visit because of cost pressures.^

“Veterinary care is essential, but we also need to recognise that not every household has thousands of dollars available for an emergency,” Crighton says.

Helping Pets Stay Where They Belong

CANA’s latest report highlights the importance of addressing the circumstances that can force people and pets apart, including housing difficulties, financial hardship, ageing and access to veterinary care.

Crighton believes greater awareness of available support, alongside early financial planning, could help more families navigate difficult periods without having to surrender their pets.

“Before making that heartbreaking decision, we encourage owners to reach out. Speak with your veterinarian, contact local animal welfare organisations and investigate what assistance may be available in your community,” she says.

“There may be options people simply don’t know exist. Asking for help should never be something a pet owner feels ashamed of.”

Five Ways to Help Keep Pets With Their Families

Pet Insurance Australia encourages owners experiencing financial difficulties to consider the following:

1. Speak with your veterinarian early. Discuss treatment priorities, written estimates and whether payment arrangements or alternative treatment options are available.
2. Investigate community support. Local animal welfare organisations may offer assistance with pet food, subsidised desexing or veterinary care, depending on eligibility and available resources. CANA’s Veterinary Care Support directory, which helps pet owners find organisations offering affordable or subsidised veterinary care. https://australiacan.org.au/pet-projects/finding-help-with-veterinary-care/

3. Plan for unexpected expenses. Consider a dedicated emergency savings fund or other suitable financial protection before an illness or injury occurs.
4. Seek pet-friendly housing assistance. Understand your state’s rental laws and investigate local tenancy advice services before assuming a pet cannot accompany you.
5. Explore temporary care arrangements. Trusted family, friends or community fostering services may be able to assist during short-term housing or personal emergencies.

“Australia is a nation of animal lovers, and keeping pets with the people who love them should be a priority wherever it’s safe and possible,” Crighton says. “Sometimes the difference between a pet staying with its family and entering a shelter is simply knowing where to turn for help.”

Sources and References

*PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2026 — treatment cost figures based on PetSure’s de-identified claims data for dogs and cats aged one to eight years. Figures represent average and highest recorded treatment costs for the specified conditions, not typical costs for every pet.
https://petsure.com.au/pet-health-monitor/

^ Pet Insurance Australia — Cost of Living Crunch Leaving Aussie Pet Owners Exposed to Unexpected Vet Bill Pressure, citing Animal Medicines Australia research.
https://www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au/cost-of-living-unexpected-vet-bill-pressure/

Companion Animal Network Australia — 2025–26 Impact Report, figures supplied in CANA’s announcement: 32% of intakes attributed to surrenders and 16% of surrenders attributed to renting issues.
https://australiacan.org.au/

Editorial note: CANA’s figures describe changes in proportions, not a confirmed increase in the absolute number of surrendered pets.

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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