Pet lovers leaving themselves open to risk

Posted : 28-04-2005

Despite the affinity which Britons have with their pets less than two in ten pet owners have insurance for their animal, leaving themselves at risk to high vets bills.

According to a study by Direct Line Pet Insurance, ten per cent of UK dog owners have taken at least five days off work to look after their sick pet, and over the last two years 2.7 million working days have collectively been lost by dog owners taking time off work to care for their pooches.

The care and attention paid by pet owners to their animals is also reflected to the fact that two in ten (17 per cent) take their pet to the vets seven times a year.

However despite the fact that pet owners care greatly for their animals only 16 per cent have insurance to cover vets bills, which are high and increasingly rising.

Chris Price, Business Manager at Direct Line Pet Insurance, stated: 'Dogs are viewed as part of the family so protecting their health and well being is very important.

"Unfortunately they can't vocalize what's wrong with them in the same way humans can, so it's very worrying when they get ill. As a result if they are unwell, it's vital to get them checked out by an expert and have a vet advise them on the best form of treatment.

"We would certainly advise all owners to consider pet insurance to prevent this unavoidable expense."

Direct Line found that 14 per cent of pet owners who lack insurance spend between £1,000 and £1,500 per year on the care of their pet each year.

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