Pet owners paws for thought before returning to work

03 August 2020

person WFH with car (1)

Half of pet owners are worried about leaving their pets to return to work
Two fifths (40%) have spent more time with their pets during lockdown than previously
Adults aged 18-34 are most likely to work from home more in the future because of their pets

Half (48%) of pet owners are concerned about leaving their pets to go back to work, as the government gives the green light to head back into the office, according to a new study released today from Co-op Insurance.

As a result of the pandemic, two fifths (40%) of pet owners say they’ve spent more time with their pets recently than ever before.

The study shows that on average, pet owners have been spending a staggering 77 hours per week with their pets, with a third (31%) saying they’ve in fact spent all day with their beloved creatures.

Women in particular have spent more time with their pets with over two fifths (43%) saying this is the case, compared to only a third (35%) of men.

Highlighting the lengths pet owners have been going to during lockdown to show affection for their animals, almost two fifths (39%) have spoiled their furry friends with more treats than usual, spending on average £25 per week.

However, it’s evident that this new routine is causing concern for many adults with almost a fifth (18%) stating that as they go back to work they will spend less time with their pets.

18-34 are the most concerned about the impact returning to work will have on their pets, with four fifths (79%) saying this is the case.

In order to combat this, of those pet owners who work in an office environment almost a third (30%) plan to work from home more going forwards. Over a sixth (17%) intend to ask friends and family members to check in on their pets whilst they are at work and a sixth (15%) say they’ll hire some help.

Andrew Nevitt, Head of Pet Insurance at Co-op said: “During lockdown, owners have spent more time with their pets than ever before. It’s therefore no surprise that so many pet owners are concerned about the impact returning to the office will have on their pets.

“It’s really important that pet owners do what they can to support this transition. Those returning to the office need to take the necessary steps to make sure that their pets are gradually eased back into spending time alone.”

Andrew’s top tips for pet owners heading back to work

Create a new routine such a pre or post work stroll or playtime
Start to make gradual changes to your pet’s routine ahead of going back into the office
If you hire a pet sitter or walker, where possible ask them to start to care for your pet before heading back to the office
Where possible install a webcam for peace of mind whilst you’re away from home
Understand your work’s policy, you may be able to take your pet into work on occasion

ENDS

For further information about this press release:

Elliott Lancaster | Junior Press Officer | 07808 609 944 | elliott.lancaster@coop.co.uk

Mark Carrington | Press Officer | 07890 384 471 | mark.carrington@coop.co.uk

Notes to Editors: An online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 2,006 respondents from the UK, all pet owners. The research fieldwork took place on 10th July – 14th July 2020. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides to MRS code.

About Co-op Insurance: Co-op Insurance is part of the Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance, legal services and health. It has a clear purpose of championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,600 food stores, over 1,000 funeral homes and it provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. It has more than 63,000 colleagues and an annual revenue of over £10 billion.