Pet Insurance | Finance

Dogs best avoid sticks and ponds

Analysis of Sainsbury's Pet Insurance claims data indicates that our four legged friends' favourite pastime could be fraught with danger. The Bank is warning dog owners of the risk of letting their pets play in ponds and chase sticks. These activities not only carry a health warning, but worryingly, can even be life-threatening.

Fat Cats - The rich, the cute and the furry

Dining out on rare white truffles, buying Madonna's mansion and starring in a world famous TV series sounds like the type of thing that only happens to the Hollywood A-list. But for the richest pets on the planet, it's all in a day's work.

Pet owners witness behavioural problems in cats and dogs

Some 3.35 million cat and dog owners have witnessed behavioural problems in their pet over the past 12 months, according to research from Sainsbury's Finance. This equates to some 18% of the nation's cats or dogs suffering from some kind of behavioural problem. The biggest problem seen by owners was damage caused to furniture by a troubled cat or dog, which was cited by 1.3 million pet owners.

One in three British pets are overweight

Over one third (37%) of Britain’s pet cats and dogs are overweight according to a survey of veterinarians commissioned by Halifax Pet Insurance.

Market growth restrained by changing pet ownership patterns

In its latest report, Pet Insurance in the UK – 2006, Defaqto identifies how changing social patterns are affecting dog ownership and consequently sales of pet insurance policies.

Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance issues warning on pet obesity

New research from Sainsbury’s Bank indicates that obesity is a serious problem affecting over a third (34%) of the UK’s combined cat and dog population. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance estimates that around 2.72 million dogs and 2.87 million cats are suffering from obesity.

Pets at greater risk of health problems from second hand smoke

Brits may claim to be a nation of pet lovers, but new research from pet insurer MORE TH> N reveals that millions of people are putting their animals at risk of serious health problems by regularly smoking around them. And with the smoking ban due to come into force in England within weeks, the research shows that over a million smokers may be putting their pets at even higher risk of illness as they admit they’ll go out less, and instead stay at home and smoke.

Brits spend billions buying cats and dogs

Pet worshipping Britons have spent £2.6 billion purchasing pet cats and dogs in the last five years, (that’s £520 million each year) according to new research from Halifax Pet Insurance.

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Unnecessary vet visits cost pet owners £118 million a year in vet fees, wasted miles and lost working time, according to research from pet insurer MORE TH>N. Such trips also cost British businesses £19 million a year from staff who take time off work as compassionate leave, or lie about their whereabouts to take their pets to the vets.

Unnecessary emergency vet visits cost businesses £19 million

British businesses are losing out to the tune of £19 million a year as workers take time off for unnecessary emergency vet visits.

Cost of pedigree pet ownership outstrips cross-breed costs

Protecting your pedigree dog or cat with adequate pet insurance is now even more important, warns Sainsbury's Bank, after new findings show that the cost of owning a pedigree pet can be up to 34% more expensive than a cross-breed.

S.A.D cats and dogs can be protected

Recent news that dogs suffer depression in winter months may have been a surprise to non pet owners, but to domestic animal lovers it might not seem so out of the ordinary.

Protect man's best friend from Guy Fawkes fireworks

In the run up to this year’s fireworks extravaganza, moneysupermarket.com warns pet owners to consider their animals’ welfare. Especially as the RSPCA reported over 200 calls specifically about distressed or injured animals around last year’s Guy Fawkes night. Additionally, owners should ensure they have adequate insurance in case their pet is injured or lost, and to financially safeguard themselves against damage or harm caused by their pet.

Dog owners raid savings to pay vet bills

One in five dog owners who have taken their dog to a vet have raided their savings to meet the rising costs of vet fees, according to research from Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Brits are barking mad about pets

British couples who own a pet are finding that the animal is literally coming between them according to research from Halifax Pet Insurance. 2.8 million Brits in relationships share their bed with the pet cat or dog often resulting in the four legged friend having a better night's sleep in the best spot on the bed. The attention lavished on our beloved pets doesn’t stop there either.

M&S Pet Insurance is 'best in show' for cats and dogs

Marks & Spencer Pet Insurance is a best buy in the August issue of Which? for performing consistently well in all categories and offering the highest level of cover at a reasonable price for both cats and dogs.

M&S Money adds extra benefits to pet insurance

M&S Money is making changes to its pet insurance to provide customers with more choice and a wider range of services.

Barking mad! Don’t break the seven deadly Christmas sins

As Christmas approaches, rural insurer NFU Mutual, is offering a timely reminder that pets should be remembered over the festive period too.

Pet owners warned not to be caught short on insurance

Sainsbury’s urges consumers to check their pet insurance polices carefully to ensure that they have adequate cover for the treatment of conditions lasting longer than 12 months. This follows analysis of pet polices that shows that 37%of dog insurance policies and 35% of cat insurance policies do not provide cover for conditions lasting longer than a year.

Sainsbury’s offers 30-days free pet insurance cover

Sainsbury’s is offering 30-days free Pet Insurance cover to those applying before 27th November 2007. In addition to this, those applying online before 29th December 2007 will receive a 10% discount.

Loud fireworks are bang out of order

UK pet insurance provider has produced a free guide which will help the nation’s pet owners reduce the injuries, distress and long term behavioural problems caused by loud fireworks to their terrified pets.

Pet insurance is for life, not just for Christmas

For those who found a puppy or a kitten under the tree this Christmas, it is important to remember that pets are for life, not just for Christmas, and getting pet insurance could ensure that the new member of the family gets the care it needs, urges Fair Investment Company.

Provider churn could disrupt pet insurance market

In its new report into the Pet Insurance Market, Defaqto raises the concern that the rate of provider churn could have a detrimental effect on the market unless adequate arrangements are put in place to protect existing policyholders.

Don’t buy a pet without insurance

Anyone tempted to buy a pet or who received one for Christmas should not forget that a key part of having a cat or dog is making sure it can be properly looked after when it is ill, says Defaqto in its most recent report, Pet Insurance in the UK 2007.

Owners guilty of turning pets into a pudding at Christmas

Slimming clubs and doctors’ surgeries experience some of their longest queues after the excesses of Christmas and New Year, but new research suggests that Britain’s surgeries are also feeling the strain as the nation’s podgy pets pig out on a range of festive foods.

Dog owners’ nightmare: Death by chocolate

Chocolate ornaments dangling on a Christmas tree are a naughty lure to humans but for any nosy pooch it could be a fatal temptation. Large quantities can bring on epileptic seizures and in the worst cases death.

Fully understand pet insurance before buying

There are 1.8 million pet insurance claims made for veterinary treatment for cats and dogs each year, according to a recent survey.

1.8M pet insurance claims a year

Sainsbury’s Finance estimates that around 1.8 million pet insurance claims for veterinary treatment for dogs and cats are made every year.

LV= launches pet insurance for cats and dogs

LV= is launching two new pet insurance policies, Essential and Premier, both available for cats and dogs from aged eight weeks, with no upper age limit. Prices start from around £5 per month for cats and £7 per month for dogs.

A dog is for life – and will cost you more than £13,000

Keeping a dog is an expensive business; most of the costs – food, kennels, injections – are entirely predictable, but others, such as unexpected visits to the vet, are not. Almost half of all households in the UK (47 per cent) own a pet, and 5.2 million of them have at least one dog.

Direct Line offers to pay towards pet vaccinations

Each year, many dogs and cats fall sick from illnesses that could have been prevented with vaccinations, such as canine flu, kennel cough and other respiratory diseases. Yet research for Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals that many pet owners are putting their pets at risk as one in 10 (11 per cent) admit their dog or cat’s jabs are not up-to-date.

Rising vet fees hit pet lovers’ pockets

The cost of routine visits to the vet has shot up in the last five years meaning owners are having to fork out more to keep their pet healthy. Figures from the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons show that since 2002, the price of regular treatment has soared over 20%.

Blaming cats and dogs

Saga Pet Insurance has revealed that 1 in 7 (14%) claims are a result of clumsy pets. The analysis looked at the number of ‘clumsy’ claims, rather than those for illness or disease, made for both cats and dogs in each region. Midlands’ moggies are revealed as the most accident-prone cats in the UK with over a quarter (26%) of claims caused by carelessness. Dogs in the area can feel a little smug as it’s their Southern relatives who were clearly the most hapless in the UK with the South East having the highest proportion of claims related to clumsiness, and being twice (185%) more likely to fall victim of their own negligence than welsh mutts who are the most cautious in the UK.

Petplan warns of pet perils posed by winter motoring precautions

Some of the simple winter motoring precautions we take could pose serious problems for pets according to leading pet insurance provider Petplan.

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Melvin Everest, from leading pet insurer MORE TH>N comments on the NHS statistics released, showing a rise in the number of people treated for dog bites: "The latest statistics from the NHS show a worrying rise in dog attacks, particularly amongst children and a growing trend for ownership of menacing breeds, which are considered by some as status symbols. At MORE TH>N we take responsible pet ownership seriously and we support Mr Lamb's call for greater awareness of the risks of irresponsible dog ownership.

Post Office launches pet insurance

The Post Office has announced the launch of its new pet insurance policy, designed to meet the real needs faced by cat and dog owners.

Pet insurance misconceptions

As many as 11 million British pet owners have no insurance cover for their pet cats and dogs, according to research from Sainsbury's Finance. The findings expose considerable misconceptions around pet insurance, with one in two owners (more than 5.5 million people) without pet cover believing that they do not need insurance for their pet.

Pet owners killing with kindness

Many of Britain's 14.5 million cats and dogs will have tucked into hot cross buns, chocolate eggs and other irresistible treats over the Easter holidays, and will be looking forward to more treats over the Spring Bank Holiday too, but the stark warning from specialist insurer RIAS is that regularly indulging pets with highly calorific foods like these could be storing up trouble for the future.

Don’t underestimate the cost of owning a pet

Following the announcement by the RSPCA that it has seen a 23% rise in abandoned pets compared with last year, Sainsbury's Finance believes that some pets may be being abandoned because their owners have underestimated the real cost of owning a pet.

One million people believe their pet dogs or cats have been stolen

Over 1 million UK residents believe that they have had a pet cat or dog stolen over the past five years, according to Sainsbury’s Finance.

South East has most high maintenance pets

The South East is the most expensive part of the country for pet owners who may have to take their animals to the vet, according to Saga Pet Insurance. The average vet bill in the South East is £98.64 (30%) more expensive than in the cheapest region, Wales.

Great Dane's sticky situation

This week, Great Dane, Hector hit the headlines for swallowing a gigantic two-foot stick leaving his owner with costly vet bills. The poorly pooch had to undergo a life-saving operation to remove the stick lodged in his throat.

Queen of Mean leaves $8bn to dogs

Last week eccentric billionaire Leona Helmsley left $8 billion (£4.05 billion) to pet charities including several million to her treasured Maltese dog "Trouble". By contrast Helmsley, also known as the "Queen of Mean" excluded two of her grandchildren from the will.

Enjoy your holiday with your dog by your side

Leaving your pet at home whilst you jet off on holiday can be a forlorn affair. Tesco Pet Insurance is making it easier for people to take their pets on holiday with an optional extra of overseas travel cover. With 49,910 PETS passports issued in Britain last year it's clear that pet owners would rather do just that.

Vets coining it in makes pet insurance a must

Vets are coining it in. According to recent research by information group CCH, vets are the most profitable business category in Britain, with a 37% return on capital per year over the past two years.

Dog attacks up 50% in last ten years

The number of people hospitalised for dog attacks has increased by almost 50% in the past decade, according to a new report, commissioned by pet insurer LV=. Nine out of ten (88%) of these attacks required emergency treatment and the average hospital stay after a dog attack is two to three days.

Usual sus-pets

They are supposed to be man's best friend, but if you would like to keep your house intact, avoid getting a mighty Great Dane or a mini Chihuahua.

Owners put down pets because they can’t afford vet bills

Every year, thousands of pet dogs and cats are being put down because their owners cannot afford the veterinary fees or ongoing medical costs of looking after their animals.

Pedigree dogs cost owners 15% more in vets fees

The average vet bill in the UK is £320.92 for a dog, but owners of pampered pedigree pooches are likely to end up footing a much higher bill, reveals analysis by Saga Pet Insurance.

Brits value pets' health more than their own

There is nearly twice the number of health insurance policies for pets in the UK than there are for people. Last year 23% of the UK's pet population was insured whereas only 12.2% of the UK human population had private medical insurance.

Demand for "handbag dogs" rockets

Sainsbury's Finance believes that the publicity around celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Geri Halliwell and their small pedigree pets has fuelled demand for ‘handbag dogs'.

Protect your pets from firework fear

With bonfire night fast approaching, spare a thought for the family pet which may not be longing for the seasonal firework festivities quite as much as you, warns RIAS.

Own a pet to reduce stress

Dogs really are a man's best friend with 90% of people owning a pet for companionship, according to research by Saga. 85% of people own a dog or a cat to get the endorphins flowing to make them feel happy and almost half (48%) own a pet for health benefits such as stress reduction, with a further 44% owning a pet for exercise benefits to get healthier and improve their lifestyle. Only 13% own a dog purely for protection or to guard their property.

Four in 10 of our pets are overweight according to vets

More than four in 10 (43%) of the cats and dogs seen by Britain's vets are overweight, according to research by Sainsbury's Finance.

Sainsbury's launches low cost pet insurance policy option

Sainsbury's Finance has launched a new lower cost Pet Insurance policy option, that unlike some other tiered offers, not only offers £3,000 towards veterinary fees but also covers up to this amount for dental cover in relation to both injury and illness.

Sainsbury's Pet Insurance - 3 months free & 15% online discount

Sainsbury's Finance is offering three months' free cover to new customers taking out a Pet Insurance policy between 9th September and 1st December 2008.

Cats and dogs to suffer master separation syndrome

This year, Sainsbury's Finance estimates that over 60,000 cats and dogs in Britain could suffer from "Master Separation Syndrome" - a term coined by the Bank to describe the mental trauma caused by their owners separating.

Dog voted most popular pet

Dogs or cats: it's an emotive subject likely to start heated debates between cat and dog lovers nationwide. Tesco Pet Insurance conducted a survey to shed some light on the subject. In a recent poll of pet owners 58% said they would rather own a dog. While dogs were described as loyal and affectionate, cats are seen by respondents as being lazy and arrogant.

Fighting like cats & dogs put on hold

Cat and dog owners aren't known for seeing things eye to eye, but when it comes to the first week in November, past differences are being put aside.

‘Purrmuda Triangle' not the only area suffering from missing cats

Following news of the missing cat epidemic in just six streets nicknamed the ‘Purrmuda Triangle' in Woolaston in the West Midlands, Sainsbury's Finance is reminding pet owners that the problem is not just limited to this area.

Bonfire Night pet fright

Pet owners are being urged to double-check their insurance policies ahead of bonfire night celebrations in case scared pets cause damage to their own property, or that of other people.

Protect your pet and your wallet bonfire night

As bonfire night approaches, Fairinvestment.co.uk is reminding pet owners to protect their pockets and their pets with pet insurance.

Pet insurance is for life, not just when you can afford it

Christmas is nearly upon us, and as the old adage says: "pets are for like not just for Christmas." The same could be said for pet insurance.

Christmas is coming - and the dog is getting fat

Misguided kindness from owners could see British dogs put on nearly half a stone in weight (6 pounds) this festive season, putting them at risk of developing a number of serious illnesses including arthritis, diabetes and liver disease according to pet insurer MORE TH>N.

Continued pet provider churn

Defaqto's latest Insight report into the Pet Insurance market has highlighted a continued trend of provider churn.

Pet owners feel the pinch from poorly pooches

As almost a quarter of dog owners look to cancel their pet insurance policies to save money, esure urges them to continue paying for cover to avoid facing a hefty vet bill.

Pet-ernal instincts!

Brits are choosing to get a new pet in place of starting a family, according to a new survey. A total of 37 per cent of people said they would get their broody partner a pet instead of having children, according to the research conducted by Petplan, the UK's leading pet insurance provider. The decision to put family life on hold in favour of nurturing a four-legged friend was almost equally divided between men and women, a meagre one per cent majority of men preferring pet ownership to fatherhood.

Pet poisonings on the increase

Pet owners are being urged to ensure medication is securely stored around the house following a large increase in reports of pet poisonings.

Sainsbury's finance offers bumper pet insurance deal

Sainsbury's Finance is offering a bumper deal for pet owners wishing to insure their cats and dogs in the New Year.

Dental care bill for nation's cats and dogs stands at over £28.5m

Britain's pet owners face a collective annual bill of £28.5 million for the non-routine dental care of their pet dogs and cats, according to Sainsbury's Finance. The bank, whose pet insurance is one of the minority to cover dental treatments for both injury and illness related issues, is concerned that because a staggering 74% of cats and dogs are not insured, the majority of owners are having to foot these bills themselves.

Pets pile on pounds due to Christmas treats

We all overindulge at Christmas, but this year, nearly two thirds (60%) of owners allowed their furry friends to also enjoy festive treats, reveal findings from AA Pet Insurance.

Pets fed on leftovers as owners seek to cut costs

A staggering 994,000 UK pet owners are feeding their animals on leftovers as they try to cut costs in the face of the economic downturn, according to new research conducted for Petmeds, the leading online pet medication and product store.

Pet insurance could be the best present you buy this Christmas

Nearly a third of people (31%) would consider giving a pet as a Christmas present, according to research commissioned by the ABI. Yet worryingly, many pet owners may not realise how expensive vets' bills can be should their pet have an accident or become ill. Responsible pet ownership means looking after your animals in every way, and that includes having insurance in place. Anyone giving or receiving a pet this Christmas should look at taking out pet insurance in case the worst happens and their pet need veterinary care.

Rottweilers the most expensive dog to treat

Rottweilers are the most expensive breed of dog for veterinary treatment, according to new figures based on analysis of claims data released by Sainsbury's Finance. The average treatment cost for a Rottweiler is in the region of £441, 32% above the average treatment cost for pedigree dogs and 61% higher than the average treatment cost for a West Highland White, at £271. The bank, whose extensive Pet Insurance covers vets bills up to £7,500 per condition, is warning that people looking to buy pets should consider all the possible costs before entering into pet ownership, as costs can vary enormously between different breeds.

Wanted: Lost pets cost owners small fortune in advertising

Dogs may be man's best friend, but nearly a third (30%) of animal loving Brits have had the misfortune to loose their pet cat or dog, with 13% of lost pets never being found reveals research by Saga Pet Insurance.

Sainsbury’s predict surge in demand for Portuguese water dogs

Following the Obama's announcement that their new pet dog will be a Portuguese Water Dog, Sainsbury's Bank is predicting that the resulting "Bark Obama effect" will lead to a surge in demand across the globe for this particular breed of dog.

Pets denied treatment because owners cannot afford vet bills

Many cats and dogs are being denied the recommended medical treatment for an illness or ongoing medical condition because their owners cannot afford it, according to research from Sainsbury's Finance.

ASDA aims high with pet Insurance re-launch

ASDA Financial Services is targeting a top three position in the pet insurance market with the launch of a new suite of products. Whilst Asda is one of the top providers of pet-related products within the marketplace, the improved product illustrates Asda's appetite for transferring this strength through to Financial Services through cross-sales.

Don't forget your pet insurance this RSPCA week

This RSPCA week (April 27 - May 3), Fairinvestment.co.uk is urging pet owners not to neglect pet insurance.

Killing with kindness

Over a third (35.9%) of over 50s own a cat or a dog and Saga knows how much they love their pets, but this Easter, many owners may be doing more harm than good. Saga Pet Insurance would like to remind the nation's pet owners that the chocolates and titbits they are lovingly feeding their pet may in fact be harmful to their health.

Make your pet a star with M&S

Everyone believes their cat or dog is the best, and now M&S Money is giving animal lovers the chance to show the world why.

Britain's pooches and moggies don't escape the credit crunch

It's not just people who are being affected by the current economic slump, according to Sainsbury's Finance, which offers good quality, competitively priced pet insurance. The bank's survey findings indicate that around 4.64 million pet dogs and cats are also seeing the effect of Britain's credit crunch as their owners admit to making cut backs.

Prevention better than cure for pets and cash-strapped owners

Pet owners who cut back on regular treatments for their animals increase the risk of expensive vet bills in the long-term, warns pet insurer M&S Money.

Pets suffering as recession bites deeper

There is growing evidence that the economic downturn is affecting peoples' ability to guarantee the wellbeing of their pets.

Medical conditions affect one in eight pets under age of three

Cat and dog owners are putting their finances at risk by not insuring their pets as soon as they acquire them, according to Sainsbury's Finance. Every year, one in eight (12%) cats and dogs under the age of three suffers from some form of medical condition which may recur later in life, or be linked to other conditions. The bank is warning that if pet owners don't take out a pet insurance policy as soon as they buy a pet, any illnesses occurring during this time could be regarded as pre-existing medical conditions when they do come to take out insurance. These conditions and sometimes those that are linked in some way, can therefore be excluded from the cover.