Time to insure your pedigree pet

Research from Sainsbury’s Bank has found that the cost of owning a pedigree pet is much more than that of owning a cross breed. That’s why it’s even more important to make sure your pet is protected with an adequate pet insurance policy.

The research shows that the cost of owning a pedigree pet can be 34 per cent more expensive than of owning a cross breed. The owner of a pedigree dog is likely to spend £537 a year on the pet, while the owner of a cross breed dog gets off more lightly at £430. Similarly, pedigree cats cost their owners £427 a year compared with £319 for cross breeds.

One of the main reasons for this is that owners may have to spend more on vet bills. Some pedigree animals are prone to hereditary conditions, with more than 350 inherited diseases in pedigree dogs. Vet fees can be high in this situation.

Steve Johnson, Head of Pet Insurance, Sainsbury’s Bank said: ‘Certain breeds, after generations of selective breeding, can be prone to various hereditary conditions which can require long term treatment. It’s therefore best to insure a pedigree puppy or kitten as soon as you take it into your care and select a policy which provides adequate levels of long term cover. Once a condition becomes apparent it may be impossible to get it covered under a new policy.’

Sainsbury’s research also found that only 12 per cent of the nation’s dogs and 18 per cent of the nation’s cats are insured. This is a false economy as a good quality policy need not be expensive. Food is the biggest area of expenditure for dogs, accounting for 42 per cent of all money spent, followed by vet bills (19 per cent) and treats (15 per cent). For cats, 51 per cent of all expenditure is on food, with 21 per cent on vet fees and 11 per cent on treats and presents.