British pet owners barking mad at Christmas

Its official: British pet owners go barking mad at Christmas! Did you splash out on your dog this Christmas. If you did, you are not alone! A survey carried out by PDSA Petsurance reveals that Brits are really barking mad when it comes to spoiling their pets over the festive season!

A staggering 92% of owners surveyed bought their pet a Christmas present. 62% bought their pet a Christmas stocking, while 30% sent their pet a Christmas card! Over 65% of those surveyed admitted to adding their pet’s name beside their own when sending out Christmas cards and 64% served up a Christmas dinner for their dog

The UK’s most spoilt pets this Christmas include:
• A Jack Russell called Gucci from Nottingham, who was treated to a pink diamante designer coat and collar.
• Mouse the dog from Hampshire walks out in style now, with a matching leopard-print collar and lead!
• A Pomeranian from Essex was given a waterproof coat to keep him dry on walks!

Commenting on the survey, Liza Randall of PDSA, says: “It’s obvious that pets play a very special role in our lives. The vast majority of British pet owners wouldn’t dream of leaving their pet out during the festive celebrations – which means presents, Christmas cards and even a dinner with all the trimmings!”

But with the average cost of a course of veterinary treatment rising year-on-year and now standing at over £280**, leading veterinary charity PDSA is urging pet owners to insure their pet in case of illness or accidents.

“If you pet falls ill or has an accident, without a pet insurance policy in place, it can be a stressful time both financially and emotionally, especially at this time of the year after the bank balance has taken a pounding!” says Liza Randall.

“PDSA urges pet owners to make a New Year’s resolution to invest in a quality pet insurance policy. It is one of the best presents you can buy your pet and could mean the difference between life and death.”

PDSA exists to provide free veterinary treatment to the sick and injured pets of people in need, and its teams of vets and veterinary nurses provide over 1.3 million free treatments every year. This year, PDSA PetAid services will cost more than £41 million. They are funded entirely by public support, mainly through donations and gifts in wills.