UK pet owners are deeply committed to their pet’s health, but many may struggle to cover the cost of unexpected veterinary treatment, according to new research1 from specialist pet insurance provider Insure Your Paws.
The Opinium survey of 1,000 UK dog and cat owners finds that nearly half (45%) of pet owners are diligent about preventative care, never missing annual check-ups and vaccinations, and more than one in five (22%) visit the vet at least once a year outside of routine appointments. Almost a third (30%) say they are more likely to take their pet to the vet than book a GP appointment for themselves.
Owners are equally committed at home. More than a third (35%) buy the best-quality food they can for their pet and more than one in ten (12%) often cook meals for them. 16% also clean their pet’s teeth as often as possible (20% of dog owners vs. 10% of cat owners). Almost one in five (18%) pet owners also researched breed-specific health risks before choosing their pet (24% of dog owners v 9% of cat owners).
However, despite this commitment to their pets’ wellbeing, fewer than one in three (31%) uninsured pet owners have set aside money instead of paying for pet insurance, and if faced with an unexpected vet bill of £1,000 or more, only 16% of uninsured pet owners would be able to pay for it with money specifically set aside for vet fees.
Even relatively common treatments such as blood tests, X-rays or overnight stays can cost several hundred pounds, while surgery or long-term conditions can quickly push bills well beyond £1,0002.
When asked how they would cope with a vet bill of more than £1,000, more than half (56%) of uninsured owners said they would rely on their general savings. Others said they would put the cost on a credit card (20%) or seek support from veterinary charities (15%).
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, said the findings reflect how emotionally invested owners are, even when finances are stretched. “Pet owners in the UK go to great lengths to keep their animals healthy and happy, and this research really brings that to life. From routine check-ups to premium food and daily care, people want the best for their pets.’’
“But even with the best care, health problems can come out of the blue. Vet costs can escalate quickly, and many households simply are not prepared for a large, unplanned expense. Pet insurance can help bridge that gap and give owners peace of mind that cost will not stand in the way of treatment when their pet needs it most.”
Insure Your Paws offers flexible lifetime pet insurance for cats and dogs from eight weeks old, with £0 excess and 0% bill share policies available. All customers also have access to the Assist Your Paws 24/7 careline, providing advice, simple treatment recommendations, behavioural support, or a referral to a nearby veterinary clinic for the more serious issues.
1 Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 UK cat or dog owners from 30 April to 6 May 2025.
2 https://www.confused.com/pet-insurance/guides/vet-treatment-prices
