Pets at risk as recession bites

Research published today reveals how, in times of financial uncertainty, our pets pull on our purse strings more than our heart strings. The study by MORE TH>N Pet Insurance shows how many owners would opt to simply have their four legged friends put to sleep rather than face pricey vet fees - leaving 780,000 animals, including 200,000 dogs, with a possible death row sentence from recession stricken owners.

So, can we Brits still claim to be a nation of animal lovers? The research calls this into question, quantifying just how little value many owners place on their feline friends and canine companions. More than two thirds (69%) of pet owners admitted they wouldn't be prepared to give up life's little luxuries such as dining out, weekends away or high street shopping sprees in order to pay surprise vet fees. London pets are most at risk with three quarters (73%) of owners refusing to give up their creature comforts. Edinburgh pets are slightly safer as north of the border, owners are the most sentimental in the UK - yet two thirds (64%) would still refuse to make sacrifices to pay for vet treatment.

The study goes on to reveal the extreme measures hard up pet owners are having to resort to in order to avoid hefty vet bills - regardless of the consequences. Perhaps most worrying of all, is the alarming number of pet owners are prepared to play vet themselves. 1.6 million animals* could be at risk of mistreatment as almost one in ten owners said they would try their hand at self diagnosis and administer human medicine to avoid paying a professional. This is despite the fact almost 60% of owners admit they don't know enough about animal health to even spot if their pet is unwell.

Self prescribing human medicine for an animal can have serious repercussions with vets warning prolonged use of human painkillers such as Ibuprofen can lead to kidney failure or stomach ulcers which if left unchecked can prove fatal for dogs.

The research shows many owners are taking their pet's health for granted with 69% not having pet insurance. Also highlighted is the widespread confusion and frustration surrounding vet charges. Half of all pet owners (49%) claim vets don't explain their charges properly before treating animals and two thirds (62%) admit they have no idea what they will be charged until they are faced with a wallet-busting bill.

With caring for a medium sized dog throughout its life now costing an average of £10,039** (without accounting for any unscheduled vet visits) buying a family pet is a decision that should never be taken lightly and even more so during the current economic climate.

Peter Markey, Head of Marketing for MORE TH>N comments: "Times are tough at the moment and the research shows that our pets are amongst the first to feel the bite. Financial difficulties could leave pet owners facing some tough decisions about their animals but that doesn't have to be the case. The best way to avoid nasty surprises is to make sure your animal is insured but currently over two thirds of the nations pets are without cover. Thanks to the credit crunch many of these pets are at risk of being put down if they need a surprise vet visit. The report highlights just what a big responsibility owning a pet is and how important it is to make provisions in case the worst should happen."