Thornside Pet Insurance and the RSPCA have joined forces in the run-up to RSPCA Week to raise awareness around the cost of keeping a pet. According to the RSPCA, it is estimated that the cost could reach up to £780 for dogs and £400 for cats per annum, even before vet fees are considered.
A number of different elements can contribute towards the cost of keeping a pet including the following:
Average cost of upkeep*
| |
Cat (pa) |
Dog (pa) |
| Feed |
£180 |
£240 |
| Kennel fees (based on a 2 week holiday) |
£150 |
£250 |
| Taking pet abroad (medication and ferry) |
N/A |
£176.49 |
| Medication/vaccinations (e.g. fleas, worms) |
£40 |
£50 |
| Accessories (e.g. cosmetic products, clothing, bedding) |
£30 |
£60 |
Average cost of vet bills**
| |
Cat (£) |
Dog (£) |
| Broken limbs |
480 |
449 |
| Removal of swallowed item |
335 |
622 |
| Flea infestation |
36 |
99 |
| Tumours, warts and cysts |
464 |
502 |
| Urinary tract infections |
331 |
234 |
| Respiratory infections |
435 |
435 |
| Kidney failure |
310 |
331 |
| Diabetes |
294 |
343 |
John Rolls, director at the RSPCA, said: “As well as helping raise a large amount of money for animals in need, RSPCA Week is the perfect opportunity for us to create awareness around some of the most pressing issues relating to pet care and ownership. Already in 2010 we have rehomed 2,123 cats and dogs though our animal centres and we continue to stress that pets should not be viewed as disposable commodities. Potential owners need to realise that owning a pet can be an expensive business.”
RSPCA Week takes place from 26th April to 2nd May 2010 and is an annual national fundraising and profile-raising week where people are asked to spare a thought for animals needing help each year.
David Seel, managing director of Thornside, commented: “We are pleased to be working with the RSPCA in the run up to their annual fundraising and profile-raising week. We hope to not only educate pet owners about the costs involved in keeping a pet but also underline the importance of adequate pet cover which can protect against potentially high vet fees.”
RSPCA pet insurance, administered by Thornside through its Petwise brand, offers a comprehensive level of cover and a quote can be obtained by visiting www.rspca-petinsurance.co.uk or calling 0800 032 5925 or 0844 335 1532.
* Based on RSPCA average estimates for medium-sized cats and dogs
** Based on AXA claims settled between 5th January 2009 and 30th January 2010
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For further information, please contact:
Capita Press Office, 0207 654 2399
Capita Insurance Distribution, part of Capita Insurance Services, is the fifth largest UK personal lines insurance intermediary and third party administrator specialising in personal lines solutions for affinity clients. Capita Insurance Distribution employs over 800 staff (based in Portsmouth, Colchester, Romford, Andover and St Ives in Cambridge) and administers around £200m of personal lines gross written insurance premium. It works with 49 insurance companies in the UK personal lines market place, and currently maintains different product sites for 82 household brands such as Asda, Liverpool Victoria and Admiral. Further information can be found at www.capitainsuranceservices.co.uk
Thornside, the pet insurance division of Capita Insurance Distribution, administers more than 35 Pet Schemes for affinity Partners and insures approximately 300,000 dogs and cats in the UK through its Petwise product; including schemes for Home Retail Group, Halifax Bank, esure, Sainsbury’s, RSPCA, Greenbee, AA, Asda and Debenhams. Further information can be found at www.petwise-insurance.co.uk
The Capita Group Plc is the UK’s leading provider of BPO and integrated professional support service solutions. With 36,800 people at more than 250 sites, including 60 business centres across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and India, the Group uses its expertise, infrastructure and scale benefits to transform its clients’ services, driving down costs and adding value. Capita is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L), and is a constituent of the FTSE100 with revenues for 2009 of £2,687 million. Further information on The Capita Group Plc can be found at: www.capita.co.uk
The RSPCA is the oldest and best-known animal welfare organisation. It has been responding to and campaigning for animals in need since 1824. Best known for its rescue and rehoming work with cats and dogs, it also responds to all animals in need, not just pets but also wildlife, farm animals and research animals. It's the RSPCA’s vision to work for a world in which all humans respect and live in harmony with all other members of the animal kingdom. The RSPCA as a charity will, by all lawful means, prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of all animals. Further information can be found at www.rspca-petinsurance.co.uk