One in ten UK adults said they were considering buying or giving a home to a dog or cat before the end of the year, according to new research from Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, with an even split between those intending to get a cat or a dog.
Throughout the festive season 5% of UK adults said they were considering buying a puppy or a kitten while 3% planned to give a home to a rescue dog or cat.
Sainsbury’s Bank says those who have a new puppy or kitten should get their pet insured from a young age as they can be particularly vulnerable to parasites and prone to accidents as they explore their new home.
Analysis of Sainsbury’s Bank’s claims data shows that from 2013 to 2017 there were 24% more claims for pets aged under two than those aged between two and three.
Further analysis of the claims data shows that the ailments that younger pets (aged 0-1) suffer more frequently than older pets (aged 2-3) are: leg/hip/shoulder disorders (56% more common), skin disorders (41% more common) and accidents and injuries (38% more common).
