Belgians are infatuated with their pets. More than half of all Belgian families own one or more domestic animals, with the average pet-owning household having three pets. But pets inevitably cost money, and Belgium has a burgeoning industry that caters to all our animal needs.
In Flanders, 48% of households have an animal; in Wallonia this is 58%. There are some 3.4 million cats and dogs in Belgium, placing the country in the top five pet-owning countries. On average, Belgian pet owners spend €1,250 each year on pet care, La Dernière Heure reports, citing statistics from insurer Petexpert. This includes “food, accessories, and vaccination."
And the costs are rising: since the start of the energy crisis, which has driven inflation to record levels, pet-related costs have shot through the roof. In the last year alone, veterinary costs have risen by over 20%.
“The recent economic downturn is making it increasingly expensive to have a pet, making it harder for owners to budget for their pets’ care… Though not all pet owners need to make frequent visits to the vet, those who do know how expensive it can be,” the company said.
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In Belgium, an MRI scan now costs an average of €1,200. If a pet needs chemotherapy, the expense can quickly amount to several thousand euros.
While medical expenses for pets are often viewed as unavoidable, Belgians also dig deep for frivolous things. Dog clothing, outfits, custom collars, prams... there's no end to the accessories that can be bought.
“There are owners who dress up their animals and buy them ridiculous accessories. I’m thinking about some Chihuahuas for example. When you get to that stage, it’s less about love and more about fetishism. There are people who fill their emotional gaps with their animals, that’s never good,” Jean-Marc Montegnies, president of Animaux en Péril, told Dernière Heure.
