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.

The top level findings are:

1.4 million people claim they have refused recommended treatment for their cats over past 5 years because they cannot afford it

1.26 million dog owners have refused the recommended medical treatment for the same reason

22% of pet owners in East of England denied treatment to cat or dog compared to just 2% in East Midlands

18 to 24 year olds more likely to deny pet treatment due to being unable to afford it

Sainsbury's Finance says that many cats and dogs that are in need of some degree of medical treatment due to illness or ongoing medical conditions are not receiving the treatment recommended by their vets, because their owners cannot afford it. The research, carried out amongst vets and owners to highlight the vital need for pet insurance, reveals that 1.4 million people claim that they have refused recommended treatment for their cats over the past five years because of this, and 1.26 million dog owners have done the same. An overwhelming majority (80%) of vets interviewed confirmed that they had been asked to withhold treatment during the past five years.

Sainsbury's Finance warns that a combination of the current difficult economic conditions and rising vet fees which reflect ever more sophisticated treatments and advances in veterinary science, means this problem is only going to get worse.

Neal Devine, Sainsbury's Pet Insurance Manager said: "It is heartbreaking to think that so many cats and dogs are having to go without recommended treatment simply because their owners can not afford the cost. Vet fees are rising and for those without pet insurance, this could mean there's a good chance this scenario could be faced by many more owners and their pets. It's incredibly sad and frustrating as the simple solution to this is investing in a good pet insurance policy.

"A key consideration for owners however is the type of policy they purchase, it's essential you do your homework and shop around for a good quality policy so that you are not left facing a shortfall. For example, we would not recommend any policy offering vet fees lower than £3,000."

Sainsbury's Finance, whose pet Insurance covers up to £7,500 of vet fees per condition, reveals that its research suggests staggering regional variations in terms of where people have had to make these heart-wrenching decision as to their pet's care. For example, 22% of pet owners in the East of England claim that they have refused veterinary treatment for their cat or dog over the past five years because of cost. This is the highest for any part of Britain, and is in contrast to the East Midlands, where only 2% of people who have owned a cat or dog since 2003 admitted this.

The findings also show that the age of the owner can also influence whether or not pets receive recommended treatment. Some 20% of people aged 18 - 24 who own or have owned a cat or dog over the past five years have declined veterinary treatment because of cost. The corresponding figure for owners aged 55 and over is just 7%.

Good quality pet insurance does not need to be expensive, good cover at a competitive price can be found by shopping around. Sainsbury's Pet Insurance offering up to £7,500 cover for vet fees is also designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price. For further information, visit sainsburys.co.uk