You could pay the price of owning a dog
WITH almost a fifth of Brits adding a dog to the family in lockdown, research by MoneySuperMarket reveals that, on average, the nation’s dogs are costing owners more than £1.7billion in household damage a year.. The research finds that Weimaraners are the UK’s most destructive dog breed, causing an average of £265 worth of damage a year, compared to the national average of £164 per dog. The labradoodle came in second at £240 and the small cavachon third with £233 of damage. At the other end of the scale, labradors are the most furniture-friendly, with the breed costing owner’s £138 in damages, £26 less than the national average. They are followed by terriers, Jack Russells and spaniels, all at about £150. Carpets topped the list of the most damaged household items, followed by sofas or rugs, chairs, and wooden floors. In addition to the costs caused by damage to furnishings, pet health is a significant expense with the average annual cost of vet visits and subsequent treatment being over £200. Despite these bills, a third of dog owners surveyed don’t have comprehensive pet insurance for their furry friend. Kate Devine, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “During lockdown, the UK saw a surge in the number of people getting dogs, yet our research shows that many owners don’t have adequate insurance for their pet.
“It’s important to make sure your pet is correctly insured. If your dog falls ill or needs to be taken to the vet, you need to make sure you’re covered for vet bills and treatments, otherwise you might not able to afford the best care for your pet.
“Another challenge faced by both firsttime and experienced dog owners is the destruction of furniture and other household items. While you can try and minimise the risks, it isn’t always possible to eliminate all damage.
“No matter their age, we recommend you check your home insurance policy to ensure you are covered for any accidental damage caused by your pets. Without adequate cover, you may find yourself paying hundreds of pounds for repairs.”