New Zealand pet owners have added struggles during the cost-of-living crisis.  

Latest Stats NZ figures show the price of pets and pet-related things have increased by a quarter in two years, while vet bills have also been rising sharply.  

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Alison Vaughn told Mike Hosking that although we want to spoil our pets, we need to be focusing on the basics when times are tough.  

Vaughn said “The most important things are food and vet care – especially getting your pets de-sexed.” 

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