Owners of handbag dogs warned of need for insurance

Sainsbury's Finance is urging people who follow in the footsteps of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Geri Halliwell by purchasing small pedigree dogs to take out pet insurance.  This is because, during the first half of 2009, the number of claims Sainsbury's Pet Insurance received linked to these animals was around 45% of the total number it insures.

Looking at the top 10 most popular small pedigree dogs insured by Sainsbury's Pet Insurance, the number of claims for West Highland Terriers during the first six months of this year was 67% of the number insured, the highest figure for any breed of small pedigree dog.  This was followed by Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury's Pet Insurance Manager said: "Seeing so many celebrities with small pedigree dogs has certainly fuelled demand for these pets.  Indeed, between 2006 and 2008 the number of these animals insured by Sainsbury's Pet Insurance increased by 41.3%.  This included a 417% increase in the number of Chihuahuas covered and a 248% increase in the number of West Highland White Terriers.

"However, because these animals are pedigrees, they can suffer from certain hereditary medical problems that can require veterinary treatment, which makes it all the more important to have adequate pet insurance."

King Charles Spaniel dogs can be prone to hereditary heart and eye problems for example, and West Highland Terriers can suffer from chronic skin and hip problems. 

Sainsbury's shoppers are rewarded with double Nectar points on their shopping in store, online and in petrol filling stations for two years when taking out Sainsbury's Pet Insurance, which is one of only 3% of products on the market which offer cover for veterinary fees of £7,500 or more. Customers who spend £50 a week with Sainsbury's and have Sainsbury's Pet Insurance as well as a Nectar card would receive £52 worth of Nectar points a year.

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 is designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price.  For further information, visit sainsburys.co.uk.