Universal Credit Mum Chooses Heating Off Over Rehoming Her Dogs
Issabell Livesey, a mother-of-two from Cambridgeshire, has disclosed the severe financial strain caused by escalating pet expenses, forcing her to make heart-wrenching sacrifices to care for her two presa canario dogs. With monthly Universal Credit payments of £1,542 and £180 in Child Benefit, she faces a tight budget where pet care often takes precedence over basic household needs.
Financial Juggling Act
Issabell's rent consumes £1,000 monthly, while water and energy bills range from £150 to £200, leaving her with just £522 to £572 for other essentials. She allocates approximately £150 each month to her dogs, Koubla and Xena, covering insurance, specialist food, and flea and worm treatments. This amount represents a significant portion of her limited income, especially as costs have surged dramatically.
"I prioritise my dogs' care above all else," Issabell explained. "The specialist food for Koubla and Xena has risen by nearly 20 percent over the past year, and emergency vet visits can cost over £150 in one go, which is almost a quarter of my monthly income."
Sacrifices for Family
To manage these expenses, Issabell has implemented strict financial controls, including:
- Delaying utility bill payments
- Walking instead of using public transport
- Keeping the heating off during winter months
She emphasised that her dogs are not just pets but integral family members, providing emotional support and protection. "My dogs are part of my family. They protect us and our home," she stated, adamantly rejecting any notion of rehoming them to reduce costs.
Broader Pet Cost Crisis
Issabell's situation reflects a wider trend highlighted by research from lender Creditspring. Their study found that:
- 59 percent of pet owners have experienced rising costs over the past year
- Routine veterinary expenses have increased by 45 percent
- Emergency treatment costs have climbed by a third
- Fewer than three in 10 pet owners have sufficient savings to cover an unexpected £500 expense
Tamsin Powell, a consumer finance expert at Creditspring, commented: "Pets are part of the family and most owners will do whatever they can to keep them healthy. But when food, insurance and routine care are all rising at once - and an unexpected vet bill can run into the hundreds - it doesn't take much for a household budget to tip into stress."
She added that many pet owners would need to borrow, use payment plans, or cut back elsewhere to handle such costs, underscoring how quickly unexpected expenses can become crises without financial buffers.
Navigating Rising Living Costs
Issabell also noted that her family's food and energy bills have jumped by nearly 25 percent in recent years, compelling her to become adept at 'yellow sticker' shopping and utilising social tariffs to shield her children and dogs from the pinch. She advised others on benefits to explore discounted mobile and broadband deals available through social tariffs, which can be found on the Ofcom website.
Despite the exhaustion and financial pressure, Issabell remains resolute. "It's exhausting, but I can't compromise on my dogs' health - they are my emotional support and my lifeline," she said, highlighting the profound bond that drives her sacrifices.
