Families ‘will cut back on cars and eating out before spending less on pets’

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The boss of Pets at Home has said cash-strapped households would rather cut back on eating out and buying a new car before spending less on their furry friends. Peter Pritchard, the retailer’s outgoing chief executive, vowed to keep prices competitive despite cost pressures, but said he expects spending on pets to remain resilient amid the cost-of-living crisis. “People will be looking at big ticket items first.” But he said: “Undoubtedly some customers are going to have challenges, without question.” We have clear plans in place to keep our pricing competitive for customers, while doing everything we can to reduce our own costs Pets at Home The group is looking to “step up to the plate”, by cutting costs in the business to help offset surging inflation to avoid passing the hit on to customers. It said these actions should help keep it on track to meet City expectations for underlying pre-tax profits of £151 million for the current financial year despite the inflation pressures.