Vet costs underestimated

Posted : 29-04-2005

Pet owners are leaving themselves open to financial loss by underestimating the cost of vets bills, a study has found.

Six out of ten people (58 per cent) believe the cost of treating a dog involved in a car accident to cost an average of £500 in vets bills, according to research by Virgin Money Pet Insurance.

However it can cost an average of £1,000 to treat a dog for just a broken leg, a common injury for pets involved in car accidents.

Jason Wyer-Smith of Virgin Money Pet Insurance stated that its imperative for all pet owners to have insurance and stated: "There are over 13 million cats and dogs in the UK but well over 11 million of them don't have any Pet Insurance.

"Whilst money won't be the first thing on owners minds if their pet has an accident, they could be landed with a bill for hundreds if not thousands of pounds for Vets fees if they don't have Pet Insurance."

Recent research by Sainsbury's Bank found that 18 per cent of vets expect their fees to rise by at least 20 per cent over the next three years.

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