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.

Only one in twenty (5%) pets manages to find their way home again, and the majority of owners turn to some ‘lost pet marketing' to help track down their runaway four-legged friends.

After searching the local area, two thirds (64%) of pet owners turn to leafleting the neighbourhood to raise awareness of their missing pooch or moggie and nearly half (47%) print and put up posters. A further four in ten (38%) would put an advert in their local shop, and a third (32%) would even put an advert in the local newspaper in an attempt to track down the lost family pet.

But with advertising in a local newspaper costing around £25 for one announcement, added to the cost of printing leaflets, pet owners can run up large bills as a result of their search.

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive, Saga Group, commented; "Losing a pet is always heartbreaking so appealing for information and raising awareness of a lost pet can be vital in ensuring it's safe return'.

Saga Pet Insurance includes cover for lost pet advertising costs and reward funds of up to £1,000 in its policy.

Saga Pet Insurance is also offering the chance to win free pet food for a year. Anyone who obtains an online quote for Saga Pet Insurance by visiting saga.co.uk/pet between 1st March and the 31st May 2008 will be entered in to a free prize draw to win £500 to spend on pet food.

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