Dogs or cats: it’s an emotive subject likely to start heated debates between cat and dog lovers nationwide. Tesco Pet Insurance conducted a survey to shed some light on the subject. In a recent poll of pet owners 58% said they would rather own a dog. While dogs were described as loyal and affectionate, cats are seen by respondents as being lazy and arrogant.

Unsurprisingly, when asked how individuals would choose to spoil their pets a majority said affection and food. When asked which pet they would most like to spoil, 56% of the poll said dog while a measly 24% preferred to spoil their cat. Amazingly 3% of pet owners would spoil their pets with clothing and holidays abroad and for once this wasn’t the opinion of WAGs as the 3% were mainly male respondents.

Janet Wickens, Cats Protection’s Director of Fundraising and Communications said: “According to the most recent figures published by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, the number of pet cats and dogs across the UK is very similar and as the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection is glad to hear that so many people understand and value the companionship and joy that both cats and dogs bring to millions of households.”

Allan Burns, Head of Tesco Pet Insurance says, “Our survey suggests that we really are a nation of dog-lovers, while cats unfortunately didn’t fare as well. This may be down to characters like Lassie contributing to the reputation of dogs, saving children from the bottom of wells and dragging the unconscious from train tracks. Cats on the other hand are famous for their evil owners such as Blofeld, and Dr. Evil. However, it was interesting to see the strength of responses, which goes to show how much as a nation we care about our pets.”

Every year, thousands of pet dogs and cats are being put down because their owners cannot afford the veterinary fees or ongoing medical costs of looking after their animals. New research(1) from Sainsbury’s Finance reveals that 1.6 million people have had to put down at least one pet dog or cat over the past five years because of this. In total, the research shows that 927,000 dogs and 822,000 cats were put down for this reason between 2003 and 2008.

These findings are supported by further Sainsbury’s Finance research(2) amongst vets that reveals more than half (51%) have had to put a cat or a dog to sleep in the past five years because the owner couldn’t afford their pet’s medical treatment.

In addition to this, again because of cost, the research(1) found that there are also many pets with medical conditions who are not receiving the recommended treatment because their owners cannot afford it. Over the past five years, 2.5 million people admitted that they have declined recommended treatment for their pet cat or dog because they simply couldn’t afford the cost. An overwhelming majority (80%) of vets confirmed that they had encountered this problem over the past five years.

Sainsbury’s Finance believes that there are two key reasons for this tragic problem. The first is that veterinary advances mean that the cost of vet fees is rising by around 12% per year(3). The second is that around 55% of cats and dogs are not insured(4), so owners cannot rely on an insurance policy to cover all or part of a vet’s bill and without this they may find it impossible to pay. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance policy will pay up to £7,500 towards a vet’s bill.

Worryingly, Sainsbury’s Finance believes the situation of pets being put down or not receiving the recommended treatment for their medical conditions could be getting worse. Indeed, its research(2) reveals that 10% of vets claim that the number of uninsured dogs and cats they are asked to put to sleep because the owners couldn’t afford the treatment has increased when compared to five years ago, but only 5% think it has decreased. Similarly, 14% of vets stated that the number of owners with uninsured dogs and cats who have declined a course of treatment or operation because of cost has increased while only 6% believe it has fallen.

Neal Devine, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance Manager, said: “Our findings are very disturbing but also frustrating because in many cases if the owners had taken out good quality pet insurance they would have been able to treat their pet without any problems.

“The current credit crunch could compound this situation even further, with as many as one million pet owners looking to reduce their pet insurance cover or do away with it all together (5). This is a false economy because when finances become tighter, it is even more important to have pet insurance so that you can pay any unexpected vet bills.”

Regionally, the East of England has the highest percentage of past and present pet owners (12.1%) who have had to put down a pet in the past five years because they couldn’t afford the treatment. This is closely followed by the West Midlands (11.3%) and the South East (8.8%).

Steve Dixon, a leading veterinary surgeon, said: “Vets are in business to treat and save the lives of animals not to put them to sleep because of cost. It can be heartbreaking for the vet and pet owner when this happens so we always advise owners to take out insurance to help avoid this situation.”

(1) ICM interviewed a random sample of 1108 adults aged 18+ who own or have owned a cat or dog in the last 5 years. The interviews were conducted via an online omnibus survey between 21st – 22nd July 2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information available at www.icmresearch.co.uk
(2) 100 veterinary surgeons were surveyed in July 2008
(3) Source = Datamonitor
(4) Based on Sainsbury’s Bank analysis of data from GfK NOP. 963 people were interviewed by GfK NOP between 2nd and 4th November 2007. Interviews were conducted over the phone. The consumer omnibus research conducted by GfK NOP uses a large sample size that reflects the demographic profile of GB. Given this it is possible to extrapolate figures and make projections from the research results within appropriate confidence intervals.
(5) Based on Sainsbury’s Bank analysis of research from Deloitte on the percentage of people looking to give up insurance cover as a result of the credit crunch and Sainsbury’s Bank research into how many cats and dogs are insured. Sainsbury’s Bank research was based on 963 people being interviewed by GfK NOP between 2nd and 4th November 2007. Interviews were conducted over the phone. The consumer omnibus research conducted by GfK NOP uses a large sample size that reflects the demographic profile of GB. Given this it is possible to extrapolate figures and make projections from the research results within appropriate confidence intervals.

Following today’s announcement by the RSPCA that it has seen a 23% rise in abandoned pets compared with last year, Sainsbury’s Finance believes that some pets may be being abandoned because their owners have underestimated the real cost of owning a pet.The cost of owning a pet cat or dog can run into several thousands of pounds over the course of the animal’s life⁽¹⁾.

Analysis undertaken by Sainsbury’s Finance revealed that the lifetime cost of owning a dog bought in 2007 stands at just under £9,000, whilst the corresponding figure for a cat is just over £7,200⁽¹⁾.  The average annual cost of owning a dog today is currently £502 but this could increase to as much as £921 in 12 years’ time, which is the average life expectancy of a dog⁽²⁾.

Steve Johnson, Head of Pet Insurance at Sainsbury’s Finance said: “The significant rise in pets being abandoned makes for depressing reading.  As the cost of owning a pet steadily increases, it’s important that owners and potential purchasers fully appreciate the financial commitment related to owning a cat or dog - this is rising at above the rate of inflation. Costs can also escalate as pets get older as they often need extra medical care and attention.

“The good news is that owners can help alleviate some of the financial burden and cost of veterinary bills by purchasing pet insurance at the point of buying their pet. Pet insurance need not be expensive and there are some very competitive premiums out there, like our own, which provides excellent cover and peace of mind.”

⁽¹⁾ Research undertaken by YouGov between 29th - 31st January 2007.  2,446 people were interviewed of which 693 were dog/cat owners. The survey was carried out online; the figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

⁽²⁾ Average life expectancy of dogs taken from www.pets.ca

Each year, many dogs and cats fall sick from illnesses that could have been prevented with vaccinations, such as canine flu, kennel cough and other respiratory diseases. Yet research* for Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals that many pet owners are putting their pets at risk as one in 10 (11 per cent) admit their dog or cat’s jabs are not up-to-date.

For many, cost is an issue and a trip to the vet doesn’t come cheap - dog owners alone spend a staggering £1.5 billion** on vet fees each year. However, according to Direct Line, 62 per cent of dog owners don’t have insurance in place to cover costs so they have to resort to other measures to pay for their pet’s treatment. Worryingly, 17 per cent have delayed treatment for their pet in an attempt to avoid the costs.

Chris Price, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “Our research shows that one in ten owners admit their dog’s vaccinations are not up-to-date. However, regular vaccinations can play a major role in disease prevention in dogs and cats and help to ensure that they remain in the best of health.

“Direct Line Pet Insurance is aware that the costs of vaccinations can be a daunting prospect for pet owners and so we are offering our new customers £20 towards that cost to help them immunise their pets***.”

Victoria Stilwell – Celebrity Dog training Expert from Channel 4’s ‘It’s Me or the Dog!’ comments: “Providing your dog or cat with good health care is paramount to being a responsible owner. Vaccination prevents many debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases that would need veterinary intervention and ensures that your pet lives a longer, healthier life.”

Direct Line Pet Insurance offers:

• Insure more than one pet with Direct Line and customers receive a discount
• Direct Line can pay the vet direct
• A pet is covered per condition, so there’s no restriction on the number of times a customer can claim
• There is a fixed one-off excess for each condition
• If a policyholder is hospitalised, Direct Line will pay up to £1000 for the pet’s boarding costs

* Research conducted by YouGov for Direct Line Pet Insurance amongst 1,136 GB dog owners. Fieldwork was undertaken between 12th and 17th January 2007. The survey was carried out online. The figures have not been weighted.

** Source: Defra, 2006 quote that 24% of British people own a dog. 24% of 45,731,000 (GB population from ONS) is 10,975,440 dog owners in Britain. YouGov research shows dog owners spend an average £144.53 a year on vet fees so £144.53 x 10,975,440 is 1,586,280,343

*** Direct Line Pet Insurance is offering £20 towards the cost of vaccinationsfor policyholders that insure their pets with Direct Line before 30^th June 2008. If the price is less than £20, Direct Line will cover the actual cost. Customers can redeem the £20 offer within the first 12 months from the start date of their policy.

Saga Pet Insurance has revealed that 1 in 7 (14%) claims are a result of clumsy pets*. The analysis looked at the number of ‘clumsy’ claims, rather than those for illness or disease, made for both cats and dogs in each region. Midlands’ moggies are revealed as the most accident-prone cats in the UK with over a quarter (26%) of claims caused by carelessness. Dogs in the area can feel a little smug as it’s their Southern relatives who were clearly the most hapless in the UK with the South East having the highest proportion of claims related to clumsiness, and being twice (185%) more likely to fall victim of their own negligence than welsh mutts who are the most cautious in the UK.

Top 5 regions of clumsiest cats  
1. Midlands
2. South East
3. Scotland
4. South West
5. North West

Top 5 regions of clumsiest Dogs
1. South East
2. South West
3. Scotland
4. East Anglia
5. North East

The top reasons for accident-prone cats to visit the vet were injuries to the body (22%) or being involved in road traffic accidents (16%). Getting caught on branches when jumping out of trees or cutting themselves when squeezing through small gaps were examples of some of the scrapes they get into. Dogs are more likely to suffer injuries to feet (27%) and ligament damage which is generally caused by a sudden strain on the leg (16%), both highlighting that dogs aren’t quite as nimble on their toes as their owners would like to believe.

However it’s not just the pets we should be feeling sorry for. The cost of treating these clumsy animals is potentially huge for the 71% of pet owners who are uninsured in the UK**.  The average cost for treating a cat involved in a road traffic accident is £705 but the costs can be as much as £5000, and treating a dog that has ligament damage could be closer to £9000!

*Analysis of actual Saga Pet Insurance claims from April 2006 to July 2007.
** GB TGI 2007 Q4 (Jul 2006 – Jun 2007) – Hhld survey

Melvin Everest, from leading pet insurer MORE TH>N comments on the NHS statistics released today, showing a rise in the number of people treated for dog bites:

“The latest statistics from the NHS show a worrying rise in dog attacks, particularly amongst children and a growing trend for ownership of menacing breeds, which are considered by some as status symbols. At MORE TH>N we take responsible pet ownership seriously and we support Mr Lamb’s call for greater awareness of the risks of irresponsible dog ownership.

As one of the leading pet insurers in the UK, we not only look to provide insurance to dogs (and cats) of all ages, up to £7,000 for each and every illness or injury, money towards advertising for lost pets, and a 24 hour veterinary helpline, we also provide all customers with up to £2 million of liability insurance should their dog injure someone, or damage someone else’s property

In addition, in support of the principle of Dangerous Dogs Act 1991and the lack of knowledge on the conduct of certain breeds, we have applied restrictions on the breeds of dogs we insure. As such we do not provide cover to a variety of wolf type breeds, breeds originally bred for guarding or potentially used for fighting.

Research from Sainsbury’s suggests that some 1.8 million claims are made every year on pet insurance policies in respect of veterinary treatment for dogs and cats.
The study also reveals that around 18,000 claims are made for other reasons, such as when a pet is lost or stolen. Despite this level of claims, however, the company warns that up to 75% of cats and dogs are not insured, which costs their owners £5.5 million in veterinary treatments every year.

The most common claim the company receives for pet insurance is for tumours of the skin, with general ill health (where the pet is said to be “just not his or herself”) second and then lameness.

Sainsbury’s Finance estimates⁽¹⁾ that around 1.8 million pet insurance claims for veterinary treatment for dogs and cats are made every year. A further 18,000 claims are also made for other reasons including when the animal is lost or stolen. However, Sainsbury’s warns that as many as 75% of cats and dogs are not insured⁽²⁾, and it estimates that owners have to pay for some 5.5 million veterinary treatments a year because of this.

According to Sainsbury Finance, the most common pet insurance claim is for skin tumours, followed by general poor health where the cat or dog is said to be “just not his/herself”.

Claire Moyles, Pet Insurance Manager, Sainsbury’s said: “The pet insurance industry not only deals with a huge volume of cat and dog claims every year, it deals with a staggering breadth of ailments and problems. Quality pet insurance will cover a wide range of treatments and services from dental accidents and behavioural treatments to advertising for lost pets. In 2007 alone we had claims covering well over 200 different categories.

“Our analysis demonstrates that pet insurance isn’t just a nice to have product. Events in which you may find yourself needing to claim are more common than you may wish to consider.”

Sainsbury’s Finance estimates⁽³⁾ that the lifetime cost of owning a cat and dog today is around £7,200 and £9,000 respectively. Furthermore, it estimates that some 19% of the annual spend on dogs is attributable to vet fees and the corresponding figure for cats is 21%.

Notes

(1) Based on analysis of Sainsbury’s Finance pet insurance data, 2007.
(2) Defaqto.
(3) Based on research undertaken by YouGov between 29th - 31st January 2007. 2,446 people were interviewed of which 693 were dog/cat owners. The survey was carried out online; the figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

To benefit from the reassurance of MORE TH>N pet insurance, get a quote and receive 15% off when you buy online. Cover includes alternative therapies. Get more info online.

MORE TH>N Pet Insurance offers:

• 15% Discount when you buy online

• 15% Discount off each additional pet insured

• Up to £7,000 vets fees cover for each and every new injury and illness

• 24-hour access to our free phone service, Vetfone - unlimited expert advice day or night from a qualified veterinary nurse about the health and welfare of your pet

• No maximum age limit

• Up to £2 million liability insurance if your dog causes an accident or damages someone’s property

• Up to £600 towards advertising and a reward should your pet go missing

• Up to £600 in kennel or cattery fees if you are ill or injured and you spend over 4 days in hospital.

Get a free online pet insurance quote

Plenty to wag your tail about…

We all love our pets. Muddy paws. Hair all over the sofa. They’re part of the family. Wouldn’t be without them. But what happens if they get ill, get lost, have an accident or cause one? Who’ll take care of them then? Who’ll foot the bill?

The answer should be a well-trained and obedient owner with good pet insurance. And if you insure with Marks & Spencer, you’ll be wagging your tail when you discover that it can cost you a lot less than you’d think.

• Save 5% if you apply online
• Available for dogs and cats aged 8 weeks and over with no upper age limit
• Vet’s bills covered up to £7000 a year, with treatment as long as it’s needed provided you keep your policy renewed
• Save 10% for each additional pet you insure
• Lifetime cover for cats and dogs
• Up to £7,000 veterinary fees each year (An excess of £40 to £80 and 15% of claim may apply depending on pet and location.)
• Pay a small additional premium to remove your policy excess for pets aged 8 and under
• Up to £750 for complementary treatments
• Up to £2m third party liability
• Up to £1,500 for accidental death
• Up to £1,000 for death by illness
• Up to £1,500 theft or straying
• Up to £1,000 for advertising costs
• Up to £500 reward costs
• Up to £750 for emergency kennels or cattery fees
• Up to £2,500 holiday cancellation
• Free pet travel cover
• Free Helplines
• Reduce your premiums with these extra discounts
• 5% off if you apply online (not available with the multi-pet discount, or on that part of the premium you pay to remove the policy excess)
• Save 7.5% when you agree an additional £10 excess
• Save 15% when you agree an additional £20 excess
• Save 10% on the policy of your second and subsequent pets

Get a Free Marks and Spencer Pet Insurance Quote