...AND REMEMBER TO INSURE YOUR DOG OR CAT
DESPITE the surge in pet ownership during lockdown, at least a third of these animals are not covered by insurance.
With the average vet bill at around £490, it is vital that pets are insured – or that you regularly put money aside to cover potential costs.
The average annual cost of insurance for a dog is £176, and £80 for a cat, according to comparison website Compare The Market. If you are paying more, it may be time to seek a better deal.
Lifetime cover is rarely the cheapest, but should guarantee limited payouts for the life of a pet provided premiums are paid. This is invaluable if it is later diagnosed with a chronic condition requiring regular treatment. At this point, you would struggle to find another insurer willing to accept your pet. Lifetime cover providers include Animal Friends, The Insurance Emporium, Marks & Spencer and Petplan.
Owners having difficulties paying vet bills can contact animal charities such as the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals or Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals who might be able to help – though applicants are means-tested.
I wholeheartedly agree with Sarah Vine’s analysis of the Harry and Meghan affair. I was extremely upset at their retort in response to the announcement from Buckingham Palace that the Sussexes had decided their departure would be permanent. It shows a lack of understanding about the ‘life of service’ that our Monarch has given.
Karen Moore, Derby
I agree with Hugo Vickers – Harry should step aside from the line of succession.
S. Martin, East Preston, West Sussex
Adam Yates suffered a heavy crash as he lost out in the final stage of the UAE Tour.
The Brit finished 35 seconds behind winner Tadej Pogacer. Yates did not lose much time as the field slowed down to allow the 28-year-old (pictured) to be treated for facial cuts.
Slovenian 22-year-old Pogacer, who won the Tour De France last year, clinched overall victory as Yates finished a valiant second in the Middle East in his first start for Team Ineos.