Pet insurance urged to cover funeral expenses

Posted : 15-02-2006

Britain's reputation as a nation of animal lovers seems to be entirely justified, as new research reveals that one in four dog owners has held a funeral for their deceased friends.

Research from Direct Line Pet Insurance found that 40 per cent of British owners held a funeral for their dogs after their passing, 74 per cent of which said the service for their four-legged friends was just as important as family ones.

However, pet funerals rarely come cheap, with a fifth of dog owners spending more than £100 after their dog has passed away, with one in 20 spending more than £200.

Some pet insurance policies offer cover for pet funeral expenses, easing at least the financial difficulty of losing a dear friend.

Direct Line Pet Insurance head Chris Price said: "Many people see their dog as one of the family, which explains why 82 per cent of the dog owners who held a funeral said a proper service to mark their passing is the least they deserve after a lifetime of devotion.

"Coping with the death of a much loved dog can be difficult so those struggling with bereavement should take comfort from appropriate counselling services."

Nearly a third of owners said they would have their dog cremated and its ashes scattered somewhere special, nine per cent said they would commission a work of art, while a particularly devoted one per cent would have their faithful companion stuffed.


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