Dog food allowance and other social welfare benefits

MossyTracks

Hi all.

My mam is past working age and times are tight. Her 11 year old dog is starting to pinch our pockets. Anyone know if the dog food allowance is still a thing? Small things like this would help. Very hard to find information online.

Also, I see some places in Dublin offer cheap vet services but I doubt such services exist in Munster?

My mam does not have insurance and it's probably too late to take one out with the dog needing surgery. I'd imagine it would be cheeky at this stage.

Thanks.

0ph0rce0

Dog food allowance? **** off. I hope I get banned.

Cherry Blossom

There is no dog food allowance, there never was.

Stewball

The Department of Intergration is paying for the housing of pets belonging to Ukrainians, but as far as I'm aware there is no social welfare allowance for pet food.

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/11/tanaiste-defends-states-payment-of-up-to-1m-a-month-for-ukrainian-pets/

Kurooi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122491986#Comment_122491986

Jesus Christ, try running that line anywhere but government tossing taxpayer money:

“Ireland was paying for them, but we do not know how much money was spent. Based on the number of pets in the country, which was seven times more than the Department of integration knew about, it could have been up to €1 million a month.”

we do not know, could have been €1m a month, lol.

Dazler97

It should be 10r a week well it used to be anyway

Pauliedragon

Surely this is windup. Dog food allowance? What about cats. A friend of mine was on holidays recently and I fed her fish, can I claim that?

beachhead

You can claim food allowance for slugs as well if eating your flowers.But not if hedgehogs are eating the slugs

beachhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122492097#Comment_122492097

100g fish food is e10 for 6 mths.Do it!

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363931/dog-food-allowance-and-other-social-welfare-benefits

If your mam is struggling with feeding and vetinary bills for the dog than its time to get rid of the dog. Unfortunately she cannot afford to have a dog.

You cant expect the taxpayer to fund your pet.

xhomelezz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363931/dog-food-allowance-and-other-social-welfare-benefits

I wouldn't know about allowance OP, but try to ask near dog shelters, explain your situation and you might get some help or they might point you right direction. As for the surgery, talk to your vet, some vets will be ok to let you pay for more expensive things in installments.

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493296#Comment_122493296

Or, rather than just "getting rid of" a dog they've owned and (presumably) loved for more than a decade, they could look into whether there are any supports available to help them keep the dog rather than just dumping it at the first sign of hassle. Y'know, like they're doing right here???

The OP is doing their best to help their mother keep a loved family pet. I have no idea why some of you on here seem so offended by that.

By all means, disagree with the concept of taxpayer money being used in whatever way, but there's no need to be so unpleasant about it.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493357#Comment_122493357

I don't agree - if you can't afford a dog you can't have one or you sacrifice/save in other areas to cover the costs. Expecting the government to fund pet ownership is wrong.

I have a dog myself now but for years we couldn't afford one so we didn't get a dog until we could afford to take proper care of one.

L1011

The only allowance for dog food is for guide dogs; and its not very much. And its a tax credit at that.

Necro

Best option is to apply for an exceptional or additional needs payment from the local Community Welfare Officer. If she gets a payment, keep it aside for dog food each week. Btw, 6 cans of dog food are about 3.50 so it could just be a case of adjusting her finances a slight bit and the dog food will then be affordable. It doesn't have to be Pedigree Chum or one of them stupidly expensive brands.

ted1

what kind of dog food is she buying ?

try the dig on the Lidl stuff , about €10 a month

You could try getting in touch with these

https://www.bluecross.ie/mobile-clinics/

and see if they have counterparts in Munster. Or she could use her free travel to bring the Dog up to Them.

Could you not help to contribute?.

AnnieinDundrum

ask local butcher if they can help with off cuts

or butcher counter in supermarkets.

mykrodot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493435#Comment_122493435

Good for you………….but circumstances change in people's lives….. they do not always have the same level of income, someone retires, a partner dies etc. Telling an older person to dump their pet at the already bursting doors of an animal rescue centre is just selfish and pushing the problem onto the rescue centre . These centres are run entirely on charitable donations! They are not Government funded. Have you ever supported any of these rescue centres by fund raising ?

Have you thought about the depression and loneliness this lady might suffer if she dumps her dog? Its by far the better solution to ask for some help to keep the dog and that is what the OP is doing here for his mother.

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363931/dog-food-allowance-and-other-social-welfare-benefits

As already commented, there is no allowance towards pet food, and there never was. That was a myth.

As regards reduced cost Veterinary Fees, contact the ISPCA to see if they have a mobile clinic in your area or can advise on a vet.

According to the link below, the mobile clinics in Dublin may not be operating at present, or accepting new clients.

Mobile Vet Clinic - DSPCA

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493636#Comment_122493636

Im sure she can still afford to keep the pet if she makes other small sacrifices.

Whats next - she may need a car to get around too but cant afford it. Does that mean the government should fund the tax, insurance and running costs that go with owning a car.

We all have limited income and we have to make choices on what we can afford.

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493670#Comment_122493670

Ironically, if someone is on low income, the State will sometimes help with unexpected expenditure such as a car repair, with a grant under the exceptional needs scheme.

However, I have never heard of a grant being made for veterinary costs.

OP, you could ask the vet if they will accept payment in instalments? Not all will be willing, but if you explain your mother's circumstances they might. (I know my vet allows it for regular clients).

65535

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363931/dog-food-allowance-and-other-social-welfare-benefits

Buy in as much bulk as you can.

Buy in Lidl/Aldi or other 'non- branded' dog food shops.

If you buy Pedigreee etc. then expect to pay Pedigree prices.

Dog pouches are good value - mix them with a ceral mixer to make them go further.

Feed the dog twice a day AND feed them when you are sitting down to eat.

I have 2 dogs and when we all sit at the table for dinner there is a plate there for them also.

With some training they will sit (on the floor obviously and not on a chair !) and they will take food from a fork when offered to them.

Then any leftovers should be fed to the dog first before you compost it - this further reduces the purchasing of dog food.

Feed them 2 slices of ham every night at the same time - ( the cheapest ham available in Lidl/Aldi/Tesco) - this can then be used as a way of giving them tablets and is a nice 'supper' for them.

If your dog is 11 years old then it is unlikely to be eating a lot of food.

If you are experiencing high vet bills then 'shop around' - the CSPCA in Mahon have a Vet next door (Goolds Vet) and they are reasonably priced - you can even defer payments with them.

There are also other good vets in the Blarney area that are more than willing to take staged payments.

Furthermore, If you dog is now a burden to you I personally will take the dog for you if you prefer.

I have looked after elderly dogs in the past and can offer them a good 'retirement home'.

PM me if that is your wish - thanks.

JVince

You can clearly see the posters that don't have and never had a dog as a companion animal. I suggest you get one and see the joy they will bring to your life.

For the OP - maybe do a makeover of your mum's expenses. Usually there are many savings.

Does she have a TV subscription with sky? - does she have an expensive broadband subscription? - has she changed her electricity/gas supplier or negotiated a discount with her current supplier?

Look at all the regular expense including everyday expense such as food (one brand substitution) and see where there are savings.

Depending on the dog, you may be getting to an age where expensive surgery will only add a few months to life, so a question could be had there. Even if she had pet insurance, at age 11 they'd only cover about 25% and that's after a €300+ payment. Check a local animal rescue and see if they could put her in touch with a vet who would do the surgery at a low cost.

HazeDoll

What breed of dog is he, and what sort of surgery does he need, OP? Some breeds aren't expected to live much past 11 years anyway, so the surgery might just be an effort to extend life by a few months. This is not always worth doing and sometimes the nicest thing you can do for a pet is give them a few good days and say goodbye. Have a talk with the vet, explain you're not in a position to pay for very expensive treatment but you want the best for the dog.

On the other hand, if you have just found that the regular expenses such as food and meds are too much I would definitely agree with what others have said here. Look at doing something, anything, to cut back on costs elsewhere. A dog can be so important in an elderly person's life, to take that away unless you have to is a very big decision.

Hannibal_Smith

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058363931/dog-food-allowance-and-other-social-welfare-benefits

We got our dog from the DSPCA and they gave us this big talk on adoption day about what to do if you experience difficulties with your pet. Their main ethos was, if you're having difficulties, contact them. They're main objective was to keep you and your dog together and working with you to achieve this. My very long winded point is that it might be worth giving the ISPCA a shout and talking it over with them. They may know of vets who have payment plans or ideas on how to manage expenses for elderly pets.

DellyBelly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493435#Comment_122493435

I agree re not having one if you can't afford it…is it expensive to euthanize a dog or maybe she could give it up for adoption if option 1 is to expensive?

Jafin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493435#Comment_122493435

To be fair, not getting one for years because you couldn't afford one and having one for 11 years that you could afford and *then* not being able to afford it are two completely different things. You're comparing not having an animal you were emotionally attached to to someone who has has had an animal for 11 years that they very much have a bond with. You don't just throw away a pet and then forget it existed. I'm not saying the government needs to have provisions for it, but I think your response was a bit uncaring.

kowloonkev

Maybe you can go begging on your local high street, because even the homeless seem to be able to keep a dog.

mickdw

If the pet is a long time companion, perhaps the family / OP should step up to the plate instead of looking for a state payment.

This content has been removed.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494110#Comment_122494110

I know how important a pet is but expecting the taxpayer to fund it is not on - its just not. Im sure she can keep the dog by cutting back on something or family helping out. Expecting a dog food allowance from social welfare is laughable!

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494195#Comment_122494195

They asked a question and it was answered, albeit rather unkindly. I didn't get any sense of "expectation" from the OP, just that they were exploring possible support options. I think you probably need to let go of your pearls at this point.

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494061#Comment_122494061

I have to agree on the importance of pets in an elderly person's life.

I have no medical of scientific data to back it up, (so don't ask me for it) I saw with both my grandmother and my mother, that they really noticeably declined after they lost their beloved dogs. It's like their pets were some kind of anchor to them.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494224#Comment_122494224

I didnt say anything insulting or wrong so there is no need for you to be insulting towards me

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494249#Comment_122494249

You've repeatedly accused the OP of expecting the taxpayer to fund their mother's pet ownership when all they did was ask a question.

Anyway, asked and answered, as I've said, so I'll leave it at that. OP, I hope your mum is able to find the funds to keep her dog.

Deeec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494271#Comment_122494271

🤣 Ah Im happy to help my elderly parents have whatever they need. I wouldnt expect the taxpayer to fund their dog!

This whole thread has to be a windup anyway.

Soc_Alt

Hi OP

Ignore the noise in the thread.

there are no welfare benefits for pet food.

balanced24

I’m sorry to hear your Mam is struggling and her dog is unwell. Some people on this site don’t realise that social welfare is for when people fall on hard times. While I don’t know of a specific allowance she could apply for supplementary welfare allowance for the vet bills, they are unexpected bills and she was able to look after the dog when she was working I understand from your post. Loneliness is a big killer and some people think people should live a miserable existence just because they’ve gotten old.

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494195#Comment_122494195

No where did the OP say they expected anything. They simply asked what, if any, help was available and asked for advice on vet bills.

Maybe it is a wind up, but many people did actually believe that an allowance for dog food existed at one point so I took the query at face value. The "dog food allowance" was in the same group of urban legends as buggies being left at bus stops, and then getting the welfare officer to simply write a cheque for a new one.

AnnieinDundrum

so many people saying get rid of it!

don’t have a pet unless you can afford it, circumstances change. You can’t get rid of a companion of 11 years just like changing socks.

Well maybe that’s a solution and the GP can prescribe anti depressants? Or additional care assistants to visit her.

i can’t help feeling that they haven’t really thought through the implications of her losing her pet.

When my parents dog died dad lost interest in going to walk daily, his declining mobility means the HSE supply a care assistant to help him exercise and go walking. Don’t think that is cost effective.

anyway the OP asked, the answer is no but I think there are a few useful suggestions here which might help.

blackbox

Some people have working dogs, but you should be able to get dog dole if your dog won't work.

As for cats, it's very hard to get them to work apart from casually catching the odd mouse. I suppose you could sign them off the dole any day they catch a mouse.

HazeDoll

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494244#Comment_122494244

This is definitely true. A bit like the way lots of people suddenly go downhill when a spouse dies. Apart from the possibility that a dog keeps you moderately active, there's the idea that having somebody to take care of is as sustaining as being taken care of.

Lots of elderly people are painfully aware that they are an inconvenience to others, needing to be driven around or helped with everyday tasks. Your dog doesn't see you as an inconvenience or a burden, and that is vitally important to the person's sense of identity and purpose.

Never mind that she must love the dog and grief is debilitating.

Hi Op, you've mentioned your location in the past and I can recommend Viking Vets in Kilcohan for prices and just really helpful service. I'm not sure if they do a payment plan but I had a horrible experience with another vet who I had been with for over 20 years, never had an issue paying them and someone went in and paid them on my behalf which caused a lot of difficulty for me. I went to Viking vets just after they opened for end of life with my dog and I was a mess at the time but they were great, the last thing I needed to worry about was whether I was able to pay or not.

Most vets to accept payment plans and afaik the credit union offer some form of pet insurance but I'd rather just open an account with my vet and stick 10 a month in it.

I can't help with food but there are lots of options out there for cheaper feed, it might just come down to helping your mam budget better.

(while I'm sure some people would be happy to have someone pay their vet bill, I'd rather be indebted to the vet than some man who believes they own you and your dog and expect to be repaid in some form or other)

Geuze

The social welfare Additional Needs Payments will cover prams and buggies, but I don't see pets mentioned:

1. What an Additional Needs Payment is
2. How to qualify
3. Rate of payment
4. Apply
5. Contact

What an Additional Needs Payment is

An Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to you if you have essential expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income or other personal and household resources.

You may get this payment even if you are not getting a social welfare payment. It may be available to you if you are working and on a low income regardless of the number of hours that you work.

We can provide Additional Needs Payments for:

• the increased cost of heating and electricity
• essential repairs to property and replacing household appliances and furniture
• assistance with deposits for private rented accommodation
• furniture, bedding and other items if you are setting up a home for the first time
• funeral costs
• recurring travel expenses such as for hospital appointments or visiting relatives in hospital or prison
• child related items such as prams/buggies and cots, and essential child safety equipment
• assistance with immediate needs such as food, clothing and accommodation expenses following an emergency event such as a house fire
• other additional exceptional needs as they happen

The Additional Needs Payment does not cover non-essential household or personal expenses, or costs that are the responsibility of another government department or agency.

wandererz

Do you you both have Revolut??

If not, sign up. You can both get up to €50 with a referral code. Once setup (takes 20mins) then set a recurring payment to her (perhaps €40 per month) . Job done.

beachhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122493599#Comment_122493599

e10 a month-must be a small dog on rations

beachhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122494090#Comment_122494090

Pounds already overloaded as it is.As posters said step up to the plate - make sacrifices and get the rest of the family to help.But a state benefit allowance would be a good idea.Imagine the number of Irish Wolfhounds or American pitbulls that would listed as having owners.

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122500760#Comment_122500760

no, that’s the price of a 12kg bag . 400g a day will be enough for a big dog

https://groceries.aldi.ie/en-GB/ALDIIE/p-complete-dry-dog-food-with-chicken-vegetables-12kg-earls/4088600355085