could your pet be costing you hundreds of pounds a year?

Reports have shown from the Energy Saving Trust that leaving your precious furry children at home actually costs you more money and does not do your pet any good. Pet owners keep the heating and the TV or radio on. However it has been found that pet owners actually spend around £78 million more a year on gas and electricity as they are worried that their pet will be anxious and distressed when they are not at home.

Although people are afraid to turn their heating off for their pets, because they have fur coats and were not designed to stay indoors they therefore do not require additional heating. Some people also leave their TV on for their pets which is also unnecessary and can actually cause anxiety for the switching on the TV or radio because pets can associate with you leaving the house. The report also showed that 36% of pet owners surveyed keep their lights on as well. In total, the amount of energy used is enough to light 56,000 homes for a whole year.

The best thing you can do is to leave your pets treats around the house or toys to play with. You can even give them a t shirt with your scent on it to give them comfort, unlike the television or radio. Of course people shouldn’t leave their pets alone for too long. However, if there are any concerns about the stress of animals, you can also contact your vet.

Otherwise, you could be adding a whopping £140 a year to your energy bills.

Smart thermostats are also a great way to control your home’s temperature when you are out with an app on your phone. this is useful particularly when your plans may change you can adjust your heating accordingly.

Next time you are about to leave the house, remember to think twice about leaving the heating and appliances on – it will be far better for your bank balance!