"Feed Prices Are Too High"...Pet Owners Struggling Amid Soaring Inflation

Rising Prices of Pet Supplies and Food Amid High Inflation
26% of Pet Owners "Have Considered Giving Up Pet Care"
Experts "Responsible Attitude Needed"

Photo by Pixabay.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As prices soar, the cost of pet supplies and pet food is rising one after another. As a result, a new term "petflation (pet + inflation)" has emerged, reflecting the burden many feel due to the skyrocketing expenses of pet ownership. Additionally, with the lifting of social distancing measures and an increase in outdoor activities such as travel, there have been cases of pet abandonment or relinquishment.

According to the price comparison site Danawa on the 14th, the lowest price for Nestl? Purina's "Alpo for adult dogs over 1 year old (10kg)" is 36,530 KRW, up 22.6% from 29,780 KRW in October last year. Another brand, Royal Canin's "Mini Indoor Adult (8.7kg)" product price also rose from 62,480 KRW in October last year to 72,900 KRW, a 16.6% increase. This appears to be due to the rising prices of grains, meat, and vegetables, which are the main ingredients of pet food, causing pet food costs to increase as well.

The soaring pet food prices are increasing the burden on pet owners. A netizen who identified as a dog owner shared on an online dog community, "I don't understand why pet food is so expensive these days. Even though overall prices have risen, pet food prices have gone up tremendously. They have increased by at least 3,000 KRW and up to 9,000 KRW. It's hard to switch dog food, but the prices are too burdensome. As a dog owner raising three dogs, it's very tough."

The cost of raising pets is not insignificant. According to the "2021 National Awareness Survey on Animal Protection" released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in January this year, the average monthly cost per pet (including medical expenses) was 149,700 KRW for dogs and 125,700 KRW for cats. In other words, the annual cost of raising one dog is about 1.8 million KRW, and for one cat, about 1.51 million KRW.

As a result, some people are considering giving up pet ownership because they cannot afford pet food or medical expenses. In the same survey, 26.1% of respondents who own pets answered that they had considered "giving up or relinquishing pet ownership." The most common reason was "behavioral problems such as property damage and barking" at 27.8%, followed by "higher than expected expenses" at 22.2%.

Photo by Pixabay.

In the high inflation environment, cases of pet abandonment have recently surged following the easing of social distancing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as people stayed home more due to remote work, many adopted pets, but after the endemic phase began in April and outdoor activities increased, cases of pet abandonment rose. According to the Animal Protection Management System of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, the number of lost and abandoned animals reported in July was 11,761, about 45% higher than the 6,441 cases reported in February when social distancing was at its peak.

Other countries are also experiencing increased financial burdens related to pet ownership due to high inflation. According to the UK animal welfare organization Battersea, the number of pet abandonment cases increased by about 30% this year compared to last year due to inflation. A Battersea representative stated, "Pet owners facing the worst cost-of-living pressures since the 1960s are unable to afford pet food and medical expenses, leading to a surge in abandonment cases across the country."

Experts emphasize responsible behavior from pet owners. Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Federation, said, "There are many cases of indiscriminate pet adoption followed by abandonment or relinquishment. Also, many people impulsively adopt pets but neglect their responsibilities and obligations due to burdens such as raising costs. It is important for pet owners to change their awareness and mindset. They must not abandon their responsibilities and duties toward their pets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.