Nine in ten dog owners taking pet insurance gamble

Posted : 31-01-2006

From the most pampered Persian Blue to the scruffiest mongrel, pets are part of the family and get sick just as often as their human masters. But with new research suggesting that just 12 per cent of the UK's 13 million dogs have pet insurance, owners are taking a gamble as much with their wallet as they are with their pet's health.

Depending on the condition, veterinary bills can be extremely expensive. Saga claimed the cost of treating a cat with a broken leg can be around £1,000, while cataracts for a dog could exceed £1,500.
Another pet insurance provider said it cost £553.09 to treat a cat with skin problems, while a dog with a serious tumour costs £2,977.57 to treat.

Some estimates claim that up to 40 per cent of the cost of having a dog comes from vets' bills. Meanwhile, the same estimates suggest that only 12 per cent of the UK's 13 million dog owners insure their pets.

"It is not just the obvious costs that would-be pet owners need to consider, feeding and housing the pet are only part of the financial commitment," said David Pickett, Sainsbury's Bank pet insurance manager.

"They also need to bear in mind how much it would cost to treat their pet if it were to have an accident or become ill, and with vets' fees rising, the need for adequate insurance to cover the cost and ensure the welfare of their pet is paramount."


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