The cost of owning a dog is rising - and recent reports have revealed it's only going to get more expensive.
With the average pup costing £250 a month, and £40,000 over its lifetime, many pet owners are finding ways to cut down on expenditure.
According to GoCompare pet insurance, one smart decision could save you close to £1,000.
By choosing to adopt a rescue dog, you're not only giving an unwanted animal a home, but making a huge financial saving of £921.
On average, purchasing a pooch from an online seller would set you back a hefty £1,419, whereas taking home a rescue would amount to just £498.
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As part of GoCompare's Adopt, Don't Shop campaign in collaboration with Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, the insurance site is encouraging "pet lovers to adopt an animal in need, rather than turn to breeders".
Jodie Hayward, senior manager at Bristol ARC, said: "If you rescue a dog from an animal recue centre, you're helping two dogs because you're helping the one you adopt and freeing up a space to help another.
"Our adoption costs for a dog are £200. The dog is neutered, vaccinated, had all of its parasite treatments, and you'll have as much of a history as we have.
"If you're buying from a breeder, you can guarantee you're going to have your dog, but you're obviously going to pay far more than that and then going to have the veterinary costs on top.
"I would really encourage people to adopt and not shop. The rewarding part of it would be that you made a difference to the animal's life."
The Adopt, Don't Shop campaign comes as many rescue centres across the country experience an animal welfare crisis.
According to the RSPCA, shelters up and down the UK are reaching full capacity, with waiting lists of pets needing to go into care.
RSPCA Inspector Natalie Kitchin, said: "Our centres are full to bursting at the moment and, sadly, we’ve seen an increase in the number of animals coming into our care.
"We're seeing lots of animals being abandoned and many of our branches are being approached by owners wishing to sign their pets over as they can no longer care for them.
"We fear this is as a result of the cost of living crisis and are concerned this will continue to get worse throughout the year, with struggling charities like the RSPCA left to pick up the pieces.
"We believe one reason for this increase in animals being abandoned may be that owners did not realise the costs associated with their pets - which can include vet bills, feeding an animal, boarding facilities and grooming bills."
The charity is urging owners who are struggling to care for their pets to ask for help.
Do you have a story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
