Press Release
7 March 07
Cost of pedigree pet ownership outstrips cross-breed costs
- Sainsbury’s Bank pet insurance has been identified by Defaqto as offering one of the best covers for both cats and dogs (2)
- Consecutive winner of industry accolades 2004, 2005 and 2006(3)
Protecting your pedigree dog or cat with adequate pet insurance is now even more important, warns Sainsbury's Bank, after new findings show that the cost of owning a pedigree pet can be up to 34% more expensive than a cross-breed.
Sainsbury’s Bank, whose award winning pet insurance has been identified by Defaqto as offering one of the best covers for both dogs and cats(2), has found that an owner of a pedigree dog will typically spend around £537 a year on them compared with £430 for cross-breeds, and pedigree cat owners £427 compared with £319 for cross-breeds(1).
| Pedigree | Cross-Breed | Difference in expenses | |
| Cats(1) | £427 | £319 | 34% |
| Dogs(1) | £537 | £430 | 25% |
Sainsbury’s Bank says that one of the main reasons for this difference in expenditure is the amount spent on vet fees. Pedigree animals may incur higher vets bills because certain breeds are prone to various hereditary conditions. Indeed, more than 350 inherited diseases have been identified in pedigree dogs(4).
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."
"Despite the fact that we spend a small fortune on our animal companions, only around 12% of the nation’s dogs and 18% of the nation’s cats are insured(5). With vet fees easily running into hundreds or thousands of pounds it can be false economy to do without insurance. A good quality policy does not need to be expensive, ours starts at only £4.15 for cats and £7 a month for dogs."
Sainsbury’s Bank’s research found that for dogs overall, the biggest area of expenditure is food, which accounts for around 42%. This is followed by vet fees (19%) and treats/presents (15%). For cats, the biggest cost is food, which accounts 51%, followed by vet fees (21%) and treats/presents (11%).
Sainsbury’s Bank pet insurance is designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price. For further information call 0800 565758, log on to www.sainsburysbank.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in a Sainsbury’s supermarket.
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For further information, please contact:
Phil Anderson/Sarah Rowan
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7638 9571
Notes to Editors:
(1) Research undertaken by YouGov between 29th - 31st January 2007. 2,446 people were interviewed of which 693 were dog/cat owners. The survey was carried out online; the figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
(2) Defaqto Limited, "Pet Insurance is a "Minefield for the Uninitiated", December 2005.
(3) Best Direct Pet Insurance Provider', Your Money 2004 & 2005 and 'Best Online Pet Insurance Provider', Your Money 2006
(4) Animal Health Trust (www.aht.org.uk) October 2005
(5) Mintel reports, Pet Insurance UK December 2005
Sainsbury's Bank Pet insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Sainsbury’s Bank pet insurance cover:
|
Benefits |
Level of cover |
|---|---|
|
Vetinary fees |
£6,500 (includes up to £1,000 for each course of complementary treatments and £250 a year for behaviourist trainers). |
|
Third party liability |
£2,000,000 |
|
Daily minding |
£1,000 |
|
Advertising costs - reward limitt |
£1,000
£250 |
|
Theft or straying |
£750 |
|
Accidental death |
£1,500 |
|
Death by illness |
£1,000 |
|
Holiday cancellation |
£3,000 |
|
Transport and overnight expenses |
£150 |
|
Accidental damage to property |
£500 |
|
Damage to kennel or basket |
£100 |
|
Personal accident to the owner |
£5,000 |
|
Quarantine costs |
£2,000 per trip |
|
Loss of health certificate |
£250 |
|
Repeat tick and worming treatment |
Covered |
|
Emergency expenses abroad |
£500 per trip |
Sainsbury’s Bank:
To find out more about Sainsbury’s Bank and see the latest press releases, product rates and photographs, please visit the Sainsbury's Bank online media centre at www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/media.
Sainsbury's Bank offers a range of quality, competitively priced, award winning products. Sainsbury’s Bank opened for business on 19 February 1997 and is a joint venture with Sainsbury's and HBOS.
Sainsbury’s Bank offers the following products:
Insurance: Car Insurance, Life Insurance, Home Insurance, Travel Insurance and Pet Insurance. Lending: Personal loans, credit cards and Driveä car purchase scheme
Saving: Internet Saver, Instant Access (branch equivalent), Direct Saver account (telephone) and Child Trust Fund
For further information and general Sainsbury’s Bank enquiries customers can call the freephone number on 0500 40 50 60 or visit www.sainsburysbank.co.uk
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