Pet owners prefer their furry friends to their human pals

10/12/2007

British animal lovers would rather spend quality time with their pets at the end of a busy day than with their human pals, suggests the results of this year's Pet Census, a national survey carried out annually on behalf of The Blue Cross pet charity. 

Published today, The Blue Cross Pet Census shows that, close family aside, people are more likely to spend quality time with their pets than anyone else.  1 in 10 people would even choose their pets over close family, while only 9% of people would rather spend time with friends and 8% with other family members.  Dogs and cats are the number one pet of choice, owned by 39% of people in Great Britain.

According to the Pet Census, just under half of the population (49%) now owns a pet.  While these results confirm the nation's love of animals, where we live seems to affect the extent to which we rely on our pets for company.  Regional results show that 12% of Londoners and 15% of Scots prefer their pets rather than anyone else, although, interestingly, Londoners are also the least likely to own a pet.  People in East Anglia are the least likely to turn to their pets for company. 

The findings reveal that people are spending more on their pets, with women spending more than men.  This year's survey shows that, on average, owners spend £278 a year on their pets, which has risen by 20% since last year from £231.  Women splurge an average of £275, men £282.  Owners in the North, South East and Scotland spend the most on their pets, splashing out an average of £303, £297 and £293 a year, respectively.  People in the East Midlands spend the least on their pets (£240).

However, despite the nation's love of pets, a third of owners admit to spending less than 30 minutes with their companions during the day and 69% of respondents do not have pet insurance.  Pets living in Yorkshire are the most accident prone, and 5% more likely than the national average to sustain an injury.  But in spite of this, owners in this region are the least likely to have insured their pet against injury or ill health.

The Pet Census also highlights that pet owners do not know that it can take more than six months to apply for a pet passport.  Only 15% of pet owners were in the know, with 61% unaware that they would need to apply for a pet passport now to ensure their pet joined them on holiday abroad next summer.

The Blue Cross Pet Census is an annual survey compiled by the pet charity as part of its ongoing work to understand the relationships people have with their pets. The data provides essential national and regional information including pet ownership trends, animal welfare issues and attitudes to pet ownership.

Ends
Notes to editors
Blue Cross spokespeople are available for interview please contact the press office on: 0207 932 4060/press@bluecross.org.uk

Research was carried out on behalf of The Blue Cross by BMRB in October/November 2007. A nationally representative sample of 6008 adults aged 16+ was interviewed via the telephone omnibus. The resulting data was weighted to ensure that demographic profiles matched those of all adults in Great Britain aged 16yrs and over.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media Contact:
Ziela Haider, Press officer 0207 932 4063 ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk