THE PINCH OF PETS: OVER 9.4 MILLION PET OWNERS AVOID THE VET

19 September 2025

  • Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals over 9.4 million (34%) pet owners avoid visits to the vet, with one in five (20%) avoiding due to the cost.*
  • However, estimates suggest just over one in six (17%) have pet insurance.
  • Meanwhile, almost one in four (23%) pet owners did not look into the suitability of their pet before bringing them home.
  • This leads to owners not knowing key details about their pet breed, including any potential medical conditions.
  • Co-op Insurance is reminding pet owners of the importance of ensuring their pet receives necessary treatment and obtaining insurance cover in case of accident or illness.

Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that over 9.4 million (34%) pet owners avoid visits to the vet, with a fifth (20%) of owners doing so due to the cost.

Findings from the member-owned business reveals that nearly two-fifths (39%) of pet owners would finance any unexpected vet bills through their savings, whilst over a quarter (28%) would use their credit card.

What’s more, whilst ABI data revealed a record 4.6 million pet owners had insurance in 2024, estimates suggest that just over one in six (17%) have cover. Indeed, lack of insurance may be why many pet owners are avoiding visiting the vet due to having to foot the treatment bills themselves. **

Yet almost a fifth (19%) of those without cover believe that they don’t need it, whilst nearly one in 10 (8%) stated that they didn’t know why they hadn’t got a policy in place.

Meanwhile, Co-op Insurance has found that almost one in four owners (23%) don’t research the suitability of their pet before getting them. Younger people are more likely to carry out this research, with almost nine out of 10 (86%) 16 to 34-year-old owners doing so, compared to slightly more than half (52%) of those aged 55 and over.

Failing to research the suitability of the breed or animal itself means that many are risking taking on a pet that could be more likely to have a number of underlying or unforeseen medical conditions that could result in significant medical bills.

This is illustrated by the fact that the average claim for treatment for underlying conditions such as diabetes in cats and epilepsy in dogs is more than £300.***

When it comes to treatment, Cancer and urinary disorders are among Co-op Insurance’s most claimed for medical conditions, with the average claim amounting to over £1,000 and more than £700, respectively.

Meanwhile, so far in 2025, the member-owned business has seen an individual vet bill reach almost £18,000, meaning that those opting not to cover their pet or those who have not renewed their policy, could face a significant financial impact. ****

Andrew Nevitt, Head of Pet at Co-op Insurance said:

“Pets can bring so much joy to our lives, offering unconditional love and companionship while often improving our mental and physical well-being.

“However, there is no doubt that bringing a pet into your home can be a challenge and it’s important that you ensure that they are suited to your environment by researching breeds before purchasing and that you take out the right cover.

“Injuries and illnesses are, unfortunately, often unavoidable but having insurance in place for your furry friend will give you the peace of mind that you’ll be covered if you face an unexpected bill from the vets.”

Over a third (34%) of the nation’s pets are rescued and with Co-op Pet Insurance, members and customers can get 2.5% discount if their pet is adopted from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre. Co-op members also get a 5% discount on Co-op Pet Insurance each year.

For more information about Co-op Pet Insurance visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/pet-insurance

-ENDS-

Notes to the editor

Research based on survey of 1205 pet owners commissioned by Co-op Insurance and conducted by Opinion Matters.

  • Estimate based on data from PDSA Pet Wellbeing Report: 28% of UK adults according to PDSA x UK adult population of 53,188,204 (according to YouGov) = 27,657,865. 34% of 27,657,865 = 9,403,674

** ABI data shows 4.6 million had pet insurance in 2024. 4.6 million / 27,657865 = 17%

*** £313 for diabetes in cats and £364 for epilepsy/fits in dogs, according to data from Insurance Factory Limited (Co-op Insurance’s Pet Partner).

**** £1,098 for cancer claims, £730 for urinary disorder claims. Highest claim = £17,882 in 2025 so far.

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 over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion 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.

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