Pet ownership in Malaysia is on the rise, with over half of households now having a furry companion at home, according to Standard Insight’s 2023 Consumer Research Report. While this growing trend reflects a nation that cares deeply for its pets, it has also brought new financial challenges for owners. Rising costs of essential pet care items like food and veterinary services have left many pet parents looking for smarter, more cost-effective ways to manage their pet-related expenses.
In a discussion with Ms. Teh Meng Li, Market Head of Royal Canin Malaysia, we explored the key factors driving the increase in pet care costs, the common mistakes that pet owners make which lead to higher expenses, and practical steps owners can take to manage these costs more effectively.
Why Are Pet Care Costs Rising?
For many Malaysians, pet care costs are beginning to bite. The price of pet food, for instance, has climbed significantly due to inflation, supply chain issues, and increased transportation fees. "Global supply chains have faced disruptions, and the costs of raw materials and logistics have gone up as a result," explains Ms. Teh.
Veterinary care is also becoming more expensive, with the price of treatments and medical services on the rise. Equipment and medications used in veterinary clinics are often imported, and advancements in medical technology have contributed to higher service costs. "With an increased demand for pet healthcare, as well as the introduction of more advanced medical procedures, the cost of veterinary services has naturally followed suit," adds Ms. Teh.
Simple Mistakes That Cost Pet Owners More
While rising costs are influenced by factors beyond pet owners' control, Ms. Teh emphasised that simple changes in daily pet care can have a significant impact on expenses too. One of the most common mistakes is overfeeding. "Many pet owners assume that more food means better care, but that’s not true," she said. Overfeeding not only increases food expenses but also raises the risk of obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes and joint problems, which require costly medical treatment. By following feeding guidelines based on the pet’s size, age, and lifestyle, owners can reduce waste and protect their pet’s health.
"For example, on the Royal Canin Hair & Skin Care diet, a 4kg cat only requires 50g of food per day. But many pet owners think this amount is too small, so they end up feeding double or even triple that amount, leading to unnecessary expenses and health risks," highlighted Ms. Teh.
Another costly mistake is neglecting preventive care. They say prevention is better than cure - and for pets, it’s no different. Preventive care includes vaccinations, dental hygiene, parasite control, and regular vet check-ups. "Many pet owners don't realise how impactful early intervention can be," says Ms. Teh. "By identifying potential health problems early, treatment is often faster, simpler, and much cheaper than waiting for an issue to escalate."
How Is Royal Canin Supporting Pet Owners?
In response to rising costs, Royal Canin Malaysia has launched several initiatives to help pet owners better manage expenses while ensuring their pets receive the best care possible.
With initiatives like Royal Canin’s "Start of Life" programme focusing on tailored nutritional support for puppies and kittens during their critical growth stages, proper nutrition during this period helps build a strong immune system, reducing the risk of costly health issues later. Equally important is Royal Canin’s "Take Your Pet to the Vet" campaign; an initiative that encourages pet owners to prioritise preventive care by offering itemised incentives to ease financial burdens. “These kinds of campaigns keep pet owners informed and supported in their bid to maintain their pet’s overall well-being," says Ms. Teh.
Royal Canin is also helping pet owners save on daily essentials. The recently launched Feline Health Nutrition Fit 32 0.4kg x2 and Feline Health Nutrition Indoor 27 0.4kg x2 Super Value TwinPack promotions offer better value while ensuring pets receive consistent nutrition.
In addition, the Royal Canin Club loyalty programme provides members with exclusive access to healthcare vouchers, educational resources, and promotional offers. "The Royal Canin Club gives pet owners the tools and resources they need to offer better care for their pets,” said Ms. Teh. Members can sign up at Royal Canin Club to access personalised pet care tips and cost-saving offers.
The Future of the Pet Care Industry
As Malaysia’s pet care industry continues to undergo significant changes with more households welcoming pets into their families, Ms. Teh believes several key trends will shape the industry’s future, including a shift towards sustainability and the adoption of technology-driven pet care solutions.
“Consumers today are more conscious of sustainability, and that trend is influencing the pet care industry,” she noted. This has led to growing demand for eco-friendly products, sustainable packaging, and locally sourced ingredients. Ms. Teh believes this shift could stabilise prices over time, as brands move away from imported raw materials and towards more local sourcing.
Technology is also expected to play a greater role in the pet care space. “We anticipate technology to play a significant role in the future of pet care, making pet care more convenient and accessible for owners. These advancements will empower pet owners with tools to manage their pets’ health proactively and cost-effectively,” Ms. Teh observed.
Looking Ahead: Managing Pet Care Costs Without Compromising Quality
While the cost of pet ownership in Malaysia is rising, pet owners don’t have to bear the financial burden alone. By understanding the key drivers behind these cost increases and tapping into supporting initiatives like the Royal Canin Club, owners can take control of their pet expenses more frugally.
"At Royal Canin, we aim to support pet owners by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to provide the best possible care for their pets,” said Ms. Teh. "From interactive tools to loyalty rewards, everything we do is designed to make pet care more accessible and affordable for everyone.”
With the pet care industry moving towards sustainability, personalisation, and tech-driven solutions, the future of pet care in Malaysia looks promising. By taking advantage of the support available today, pet owners can continue to provide their pets with the care they deserve whilst simultaneously staying ahead of the curve.
For more information about Royal Canin Malaysia and their range of tailored pet nutrition, please visit www.royalcanin.com/my or call +603 7492 0188.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
