Sainsburys Bank has conducted a study into the cost of pet ownership to tie in with the pet insurance they offer. Findings show that owning a dog can take up around GBP9,000.
The figure quoted is the lifetime cost of ownership which includes the initial purchase of the dog as well as food, accessories vet bills and pet insurance. Sainsburys Bank also looked at the cost of owning a cat, which came in slightly lower at just over GBP7,000.
The survey also showed that pet insurance can actually reduce the overall cost of keeping a pet, since the survey included those without it who had to pay all vet bills themselves. Sainsburys Bank want all pet owners to consider the cost aspect of keeping an animal before going ahead to ensure both pet and owner have a long and pleasant relationship.
The common idea that pet insurance is needed more for when an animal gets older is a perspective Churchill Insurance would like to change.
The head of Churchill Insurance pet division has suggested that the need for protection is something pets of all ages can benefit from. We never know when something is going to happen that may need vet care so it is better to have the peace of mind that pet insurance provides.
Financially he felt it would probably work out cheaper too since most pet insurance providers will only offer cover for animals under the age of 8, for dogs, and 10 for cats. Whether it is with Churchill Insurance or a different company the important thing is to get that insurance in place.
Following on from a programme on the BBC that showed the issues facing some pedigree dogs More Than Insurance is advising all pet owners to understand the specific needs of their dog so they can make sure they can receive the best veterinary care.
More Than Insurance would like all pet owners to check their existing pet insurance policies, or consider buying one if they do not have one already, so that their pet will be covered for the main ailments it can suffer from.
The BBC programme showed how dogs have been changed through breeding and the problems this has caused. The problems are many and varied so More Than Insurance urge owners to do the best for their pet and get proper pet insurance in place.
