Pet insurance 'essential' for poorly pedigrees

Posted : 14-11-2005

Owners of pedigree dogs and cats are being urged to take out pet insurance as their animals are more susceptible to illness and infections, according to a new survey.

Sainsbury's Bank has found that pedigree dogs and cats are more likely to need expert attention, meaning pet insurance is essential for those owners wishing to avoid hefty vet's bills.

The bank estimates that some 37 per cent of owners of pedigree dogs are likely to claim on their pet insurance in a 12-month period, compared to only 22 per cent of cross-bred dogs.

Veterinary surgeon Neal King pointed out that certain breeds of dogs and cats are prone to various diseases and infections due to generations of selective breeding.

Sainsbury's Bank's pet insurance manager, David Pickett, said: "While it is imperative all cats and dogs are adequately insured, our experience is that pedigree owners are more likely to call on their pet insurance for illness and disease than owners of crossbreeds because their animals are more likely to suffer certain hereditary illnesses."

He added that since one of the biggest costs of owning an animal can be vet fees, good quality, cheap pet insurance is essential to help ensure the owner is able to pay for any treatment their pet might need.


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