Pets are increasingly seen as children - but still not insured
As household incomes are squeezed, families are struggling to provide for every member – including pets. More...
Pets loved but unprotected
Wednesday, 26 Apr 2006 16:35
Millions of Britons treat their pets as members of the family, but only half of these bother to insure them.
That is the finding of a new report by Saga Pet Insurance, which reveals that a massive 47 per cent of pet owners in the UK treat their pets as one of their own children.
In fact, one pet owner in five has gone as far as to leave money in their will to make sure their fur-covered companion is looked after when they are gone.
But while showing regard for their four-legged friends after they have died - just half of this group care enough to take out pet insurance to look after their pet when alive.
"We know that, for many, the company of a beloved cat or dog can really make a difference to their quality of life," said Andrew Goodsell, Saga chief executive.
"However, it’s important that people seriously consider taking out insurance to cover their pet in case of an accident or illness."
Pet insurance not only covers the cost of treatments if a pet is injured or falls ill, but policies now can cover everything from aquatherapy for arthritic dogs to legal cover in case there is a custody battle over a pet in the event of a couple splitting up.
And caring for a pet is becoming increasingly expensive.
Vets can now treat more illnesses, and keep pets alive and well for longer than ever before - but this has come at a cost. And the cost of insuring against rising vet bills is now second only to the cost of pet food in the amount of money spent by owners on their pets.