Over third of people put off from adopting a pet over worries about potential medical costs

13 May 2024

  • New research reveals over third (35%) of UK adults put off from pet adoption due to potential associated medical costs

  • Over 1 in 10 (11%) believe they would not be able to get pet insurance for a rescue dog or cat

  • While almost two fifths (38%) of those that have rescued a dog or cat said they don’t currently have insurance, latest figures from Co-op Insurance shows average pet insurance claim to be over £690

  • Co-op Insurance offering introductory discount on policies for those insuring a pet from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre

With pet owners across the UK facing increasing costs, and animal shelters working hard to rehome abandoned pets, new research today reveals over a third (35%)[ii] of UK adults said they would be put off from adopting a rescue dog or cat due to worries over potential high medical costs.

The research from Co-op Insurance comes at a time when some charities are still seeing record numbers admitted, with Dog’s Trust, the UK-based dog charity, reporting to have received over 45,000 enquiries last year alone from owners regarding possibly having to relinquish their beloved pet[i].

Furthermore, with costs playing such a pivotal role for consumers when deciding to rehome an animal, the research also shows that over 1 in 10 (11%) would be reluctant to adopt a dog or cat due to the belief they would not be able to get pet insurance for a rescue.

And with almost two fifths (38%) of those that have rescued a dog or cat admitting they currently don’t have pet insurance, owners risk being financially out of pocket, as the latest data from Co-op Insurance shows the average treatment cost for claims to be over £690, with some dog claims topping over £1200, and cats even higher at over £1300[iii].

However, for those that may be concerned about the medical history of a rescue pet, FirstVet, a 24/7 independent digital veterinary clinic partnering with the member-owned Co-op Insurance, advise that there are processes in place. “Most animals have a vet check before being adopted. So, if they have had a clean bill of health, then adopting shouldn’t be of concern.” says FirstVet Lead Vet, Emma Bower.

“Adopting from a reputable rescue charity will ensure that the pet has had a full health check both on arrival at the shelter and prior to going to their new home, while most homes will ensure that the pet is fully vaccinated, and that flea and worming treatment is up to date.

“Any potential health or behaviour concerns relating to the animal will be discussed prior to adoption, meaning owners have full visibility to make an informed decision.”

And with the research revealing that over half (54%) of those that do not have pet insurance for their rescue dog or cat believing it would be too expensive, Co-op Insurance offers an introductory discount on policies for those insuring a pet rehomed from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre, with a 7.5% discount for Co-op member owners and a 2.5% discount for non-Co-op member owners, to help make adoption more affordable.

Andrew Nevitt, Head of Co-op Pet Insurance, said: “With animal shelters across the UK continuing to see an influx of abandoned pets, it’s heartening that our research shows over a quarter of dog and cat owners had adopted their pet from a rescue centre or animal charity.

“And whilst having pet insurance can provide peace of mind for people should their pet be faced with a difficult medical situation, the research also tells us that there are some misconceptions surrounding insuring a rescue pet.

“With our partner, FirstVet, we want to reassure people who may otherwise be keen to adopt a rescue but have concerns over being able to get insurance cover for them. Also, in offering a discount on first-time policies to our member owners and customers that have adopted pets, we hope it can go some way in helping them find their forever home.”

For more information about how Co-op pet insurance, visit: www.coop.co.uk/insurance/pet-insurance

ENDS

Notes to editor

i Data taken from Dogs Trust

ii All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4542 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 2nd - 4th October 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

iii Co-op Insurance data based on the latest claims data from 2024.

For more information, please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.