9 April 2008

Pet owners living in the South East pay up to a third more for vet bills, according to an insurance provider.

Research carried out by Saga Pet insurance has shown that vet bills in the South East have the largest price tag at £347.89 per visit for a dog.

This is in contrast to Wales where the average price for a dog vet bill is £227.24, reveal the insurer.

Cat owners living in the North West pay the most for pet vet visits at £321.36 while those in the South West are charged the least at £209.14.

Saga stress the need for pet insurance which can help pay for any hefty bills.

Andrew Goodsell, chief executive at Saga, said: "Without appropriate pet insurance in place, owners could be faced with the nightmare prospect of having to withhold care because it's simply too expensive."

Up to £1.5 billion is spent on vet bills each year according to Direct Line pet insurance.