New research from Sainsbury’s Bank has revealed how the nation’s love for dogs, cats and other pets has grown during the Covid-19 pandemic, with almost a quarter of UK adults (24%) having welcomed a new pet into their home since March 2020, or planning to do so before Easter 2021 (1).
Almost half (47%) of those who have got a new pet, or plan to get one, cite companionship and mental health support as the main reason. Furthermore, over two fifths (44%) say their mental health has improved since introducing a pet into their lives (1).
Alongside a boost in spirits, over one in five (22%) say their physical health has improved as they exercise more with their pet, a fifth (20%) have made new friends in their neighbourhood and 14% have explored new areas with their pet (1).
Dogs come out on top as pet of choice, with 60% of new pet owners opting for canines compared to 32% who chose cats, and 5% picking a rabbit (1).
Sainsbury’s Bank data further illustrates the boom in new pets, with a 38% increase in the number of pet insurance policies sold during the UK’s first lockdown (April – June 2020), compared to the start of the year (January – March 2020) (2).
Cockapoos win popularity contest
In the age-old battle of the dog breeds, Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle Crossbreed) are the nation’s favourite this year, according to analysis of Sainsbury’s Bank new pet insurance policy sales (3).
Top Five Dog Breeds (3)
- Cockapoo
- Cocker Spaniel
- Cavapoo
- Labrador
- Jack Russell
Looking across the UK, those living in the south of England are the biggest fans of furry friends this year. According to Sainsbury’s Bank data, people in the South East purchased the most pet insurance policies for dogs, and Londoners took out the highest number of policies for cats (3).
UK’s biggest dog lovers
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UK’s biggest cat lovers (3) |
South East
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London
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West Midlands
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South East
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Yorkshire
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South West
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South West
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East
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North West
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East Midlands
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The financial commitment
While pet ownership brings a wealth of benefits, there are important financial commitments to consider. The research found adopting or buying a new pet costs £448 on average (£557 for dogs and £273 for cats) (1). When it comes to budgeting for upkeep, including vet fees, food, bedding and toys, over a quarter (28%) of adults who have bought or adopted pets since the first lockdown have found the cost of keeping their pet more expensive than expected. The cost of keeping a dog was underestimated compared to cats – with 34% of new dog owners reporting that their new canine companions were more expensive than expected, compared to 19% of new cat owners (1).
Jason King, Customer Director at Sainsbury's Bank, said: “Britain is a nation of pet lovers, with many people seeking furry companionship during lockdown, but it’s important to understand the financial implications from the outset, and ensure you pick the right pet and breed for your lifestyle. You should make sure you’re shopping around to find the most comprehensive pet insurance you can, at the right price for you, to help cover any unexpected vet bills your new four legged family member may incur.”
TV Vet Dr Scott Miller gives his top tips on a happy life with your new pet
Dr Scott Miller said: “Understanding that different breeds or species of animals have very different needs is key to ensuring a happy, healthy and long-lasting relationship. Taking an honest look at your own personal circumstances, including financial limitations, environmental factors, personal fitness and time restraints before purchasing or adopting an animal is key in making a responsible decision on the right pet for you.
“When chosen carefully, a pet offers unconditional love and boundless joy, helping to brighten moods, reduce loneliness, encourage exercise and stimulate conversation and relationships with fellow pet enthusiasts, all which has a positive impact on our mental and physical health.”
- When purchasing a pet, always meet the parents. This will help you understand the size and nature your puppy will develop into, where it’s been brought up and ensure you are purchasing from a reputable breeder. Or consider a rescue pet, one whose personality is well understood by its carers and really needs a new start in life.
- Be honest with yourself – if you are a couch potato or a fitness fanatic, there are different breeds of dogs that will suit you best. A dog may encourage you to exercise more which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Owning an animal can be expensive. It is not just the purchase price you must consider but also the ongoing costs of feeding, vet bills, bedding, accessories and care when you’re away. It’s incredibly important to consider pet insurance when getting a new animal, to help cover the cost of veterinary care and ensuring you can afford to give your new pet the best possible treatment when they need it most.
- Your house will become their home. If you don’t have outside space, have lots of stairs, live in a noisy area or have young children, there may be many pets which are simply unsuitable for you. Being a responsible pet parent means appreciating sometimes we can’t have the pet of our dreams right now, but there may be other smaller breeds or different species of animal which can happily thrive in your current home.
- Got the time? With the pandemic meaning many people are working from home with a greater work/life balance, animal lovers see an opportunity to finally have the pet of their dreams. It is always important to appreciate that dogs can live to an average of 12 years, cats 17 years and rabbits 10 years, so contemplate the time a pet needs to truly thrive, and if you can offer it in the future when things eventually return to normal.
The Sainsbury’s Bank Pawfect Pet Tool is ideal for anyone looking to welcome a new furry friend into their life. By answering just eight quick and easy questions you can find the right pet for you https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/pet-insurance/pawfect-match.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance offers flexible insurance options to cover your pets at home and abroad, including vet assistance, day or night, a discount for Nectar members (4) and double Nectar points (5). To find out more and get a quote visit https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/pet-insurance.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
This press release is information for journalists only and is not intended to be a promotion to be acted upon by consumers.
(1) Opinium research carried out between 17 and 20 November 2020 of 2,001 UK adults.
(2) Data from Pinnacle Insurance plc (1 January 2020 – 31 March 2020 vs 1 April 2020 – 30 June 2020). All data cited covers policies taken out for young dogs and cats, from 8-12 weeks. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is provided by Pinnacle Insurance plc.
(3) Data from Pinnacle Insurance plc from 1 January 2020 – 24 November 2020. All data cited covers policies taken out for young dogs and cats, from 8-12 weeks.
(4) Guaranteed discount for Nectar members: The discount is based on information related to you and the transactions you've made with Sainsbury's supermarkets and Sainsbury's Bank using your Nectar card. For more information go to sainsburysbank.co.uk/nectar.
(5) Double Nectar points
- Only available to customers buying a new Sainsbury's Bank Pet Insurance policy.
- You need to tell us your Nectar card number when you apply; and scan or swipe that card, or input your card number, with each Sainsbury’s purchase.
- Double points begin on your policy's cover start date. If you don't tell us your Nectar card number until after your cover start date, double points will begin on the date you tell us.
- Double points stop when the policy is cancelled or you stop paying premiums.
- Each Nectar account can only collect points from one pet insurance policy.
- It’s only the base points you collect at Sainsbury’s that are doubled. Bonus points won’t be doubled, nor will any points from Argos, Habitat, Sainsbury’s Bank (including travel money purchases), Sainsbury’s Energy or any other Sainsbury’s service.
- By the 10th of each month, you'll get a bonus point award equal to the total of your qualifying points during the previous month, up to a maximum of 20,000 points.
- Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd award the points from this offer. No cash alternative is available.
- We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.
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