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.

Large vet bills are a pet owners main worry (93%) closely followed by the thought of losing a pet through illness or old age (92%). The appearance of a glossy coat and general health of the pet is also a high priority of pet owners with 72% rating this within their top 10 worries.

It seems kennels and catteries are falling victim to the credit crunch with only 18% of pet owners using them when they go away. A quarter of people (25%) chose to leave their pet with a relative and 27% leave them with a friend or neighbour. Payment of this service is not in money, but as a gift or souvenir bought on their travels. A third of people (33%) trust their relatives with their pet so much so they don't call to check up on them whilst they are away. The quality of boarding kennels and boarding kennel fees are the least of pet owner's worries.

For more information about Saga Pet Insurance, visit saga.co.uk/pet