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.
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.
A recent study has found that veterinary practices are making returns of around 37 percent, a superb result for any business. It is felt that this is down to improved pet insurance cover, Tesco Finance being a good example.
More people in the UK now insure their pets so there is a much greater likelihood that the animals can receive the treatment they need rather than miss out on it due to affordability. The costs of treatment are also increasing, partly because of general inflation but primarily because there are many more intricate and specialised treatments now on offer. Tesco Pet Insurance, as well as many others, give pet owners the chance to give their animals the best possible chance now.
As an indication of rising costs, a survey showed that around GBP380 million was spent through pet insurance cover in 2006, though this is projected to be more like GBP600 million by 2010. Tesco Finance and other pet insurance providers will certainly aim to keep treatment prices in check to maintain low premiums, though it is the welfare of the animal that is first and foremost so premiums may well have to increase a little to cover the additional expenses.
