Petplan Pet Census 2011

Petplan Pet Census 2011
Contents
Foreword
1
Executive Summary
2
Methodology
3
Compassion and Relationships
4
Diet and Wellbeing
10
Purchasing
16
Social Behaviour
20
For further information about this report, please contact:
Petplan Press Office
Pressoffice@petplan.co.uk
0208 580 8033
Foreword
After two centuries of the human census,
it’s about time we had a pet census for the
UK, which is why when Petplan told me it
had commissioned the UK’s largest census
for pets, I was thrilled to read the findings.
We have double the number pets in the UK
as we do pensioners – 24 million compared
to the 12 million people over 65 years of age.
The most popular companion animals are dogs and cats with
over 8 million of each kept by households. At a time when we
are learning and understanding more about the humans we
live alongside, it is vitally important to learn more about our pets;
how we look after them and also how they can look after us.
Petplan’s Pet Census seeks to fill this void of information.
The data has been collected from over 10,000 pet-owners from
all over the UK, quizzing them on topics including their pets’
dietary habits, exercise regimes and cost of living.
We all know that pet-keeping is a widespread and well-accepted
phenomenon in today’s society. As a nation of self-confessed
‘animal lovers’, our 24 million pets equates to the same number
of people who have Facebook accounts in the UK or the same
amount of people currently in the UK workforce. So what can
we learn about our society from the millions of people who say
that pet owning makes them happier, fitter and more sociable
and compassionate?
The census demonstrates that pets can play an enormous
role in their owners’ lives. As well as providing a source of
companionship, support and entertainment, there is now
substantial evidence to suggest that such animals may be able
to promote their owners’ physical and psychological health.
Numerous studies now point to pets, and notably dogs, helping to
reduce their owners’ blood pressure and heart-rate, ameliorate the
effects of potentially stressful life-events, reduce levels of anxiety,
loneliness and depression and enhance feelings of autonomy,
competence and self-esteem. There are even indications that
01 petcensus2011
some animals might be able to ‘sniff out’ cancerous tumours and
proof that dogs can warn off impending epileptic seizures and
sense drops in the blood sugar levels of patients with diabetes.
The Petplan Pet Census sought to explore four main areas
relating to the human-animal bond, namely health, finance, social
relations and family life. This report doesn’t just present the data
arising from the census but it sheds much-needed light on petkeeping practices in the UK today. As a result, Petplan has a clear
mandate to steer owners towards adopting practices designed
to promote positive pet welfare and, more generally, encourage a
successful and happy relationship with their companion animal.
But what else does it tell us? Whilst the Petplan Pet Census
highlights areas in which owners may need some guidance in
keeping their pet happy and healthy, the overwhelming outtake
is that in a modern world of ‘Big Society’ thinking, pets are a
very helpful starting point to enable us all to show compassion,
empathy and consideration for others.
Deborah
Dr. Deborah L. Wells
Senior Lecturer in Animal Welfare
School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast
Executive Summary
About Petplan
Petplan is the largest pet insurance provider in the world, offering
comprehensive lifetime pet insurance cover for dogs, cats, rabbits
and horses. Established 35 years ago Petplan has remained true
to its origins – by keeping more pets healthy and owners happy
than any other insurance company.
For more information about Petplan please visit:
http://www.petplan.co.uk/
The Petplan Pet Census 2011 can be split between four
clear themes, which we have separated into parts for easy
consumption. All four are outlined below:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Compassion and relationships
Diet and wellbeing
Purchasing
Social behaviour
Compassion and relationships
Within this section, we explore the influence a pet has on our
social life and how they can affect the relationships we hold for
better or worse. We also explore how pets are valued within the
family unit; some owners can’t distinguish between pets and
people and even talk to their pet.
Diet and wellbeing
Within this section, we test the health of the nation’s pets and
also owners’ knowledge of what their pets should and shouldn’t
be doing or eating. We test owners’ awareness of general health
issues and the much publicised issue in the news of pet obesity
is addressed. In response to this research, Petplan has
recently teamed up with the supermarket Morrisons to
make sure owners were more informed on food portions
by supporting clearer labelling on pet food.
Purchasing
Within this section, we explore the motivation owners have
when choosing a dog. For example, breed versus cost or
re-homing centre versus breeder. Owners also unveil how
much they are willing to spend on their pet; in some cases,
owners would rather buy a ‘treat’ for their pet than a close
family member.
Social behaviour
Within this section, we explore the more serious issues around
dog ownership including owners who break the law by breeding
specific dogs or training them in a specific way. Owners also fed
back on whether they would leave their pet home alone, which
plays in to the wider issue of pets being neglected.
The four parts of this research fall under one central theme
which is:
Pets make compassionate people
For further information about this report, please contact:
Petplan Press Office
Pressoffice@petplan.co.uk
0208 580 8033
petcensus2011 02
Methodology
The Petplan Pet Census was commissioned by Petplan
and undertaken by market research agency Research
Now. The research took place via an online field panel of
pet owners as well as using the Petplan customer base
(by replicating the questions in an email format) between
April 2010 and December 2010. An overall response rate
of 10,697 was achieved, as detailed below:
Research Now Panel
Frequency Percentage
2020
18.9
Total
Frequency
10697
Percentage
100.0
Petplan Customers
Frequency Percentage
8677
81.1
As Petplan is the UK leader in terms of market share for pet
insurance, the census gives a strong indication of pet owning
practices across the country.
03 petcensus2011
Part 1
Compassion
and Relationships
The social aspects of owning a pet should not be underestimated. Half of
respondents (50%) believe it is a gateway to a better social life and people
are more confident about talking to others while out with their pet, leading
to positive interaction with strangers.
Those who took part in the survey proved to be the sort of
responsible pet owners who do understand the impact of
their pets in a wider social context. They generally agreed that
discipline was important and the concept of dog ASBOs, a law
to enforce anti-social behaviour by dog owners, found favour
with 64%. (Dog ASBOS to be discussed in part 4)
Not surprisingly, dogs are a greater springboard for social
interaction than cats, giving owners more confidence in
approaching others with one in ten having attended ‘pet
parties’. Respondents can find their pet to be more reliable
and easier to talk to than their partner/opposite sex. They can
even, in some cases, influence the choice of a partner. Younger
respondents tend to have a more intimate relationship with their
pets and are happy to indulge in bed sharing and face licking.
They are also the most active in involving their pets in social
media networking sites.
Pets can be the gateway to a better social life
Over half the respondents (56%) see pet ownership as a gateway
to a better social life.
It is much less of an issue amongst cat (48%) and rabbit
(46%) owners
• 75% of 65+ year olds agree with this compared to just 45% of
25-34 year olds
However, be prepared to be judged because four out of ten
respondents admit making assumptions about an owner
based on their choice of pet.
• More males (62%) than females (55%) report that pet
ownership boosts social lives
• Regional variation: Scotland (65%) South of England (South
East 50%), London (43%)
• Dog walking boosts the chances of social meetings.
74% of dog owners feel that their pets allow them to socialise
more. Just 30% of cat owners feel the same way
However, don’t get your hopes up if you are looking for love
because only 7% of respondents feel that a personal relationship
has started because of a pet.
The majority of respondents (59%) prefer to make friends with
other pet owners.
• This is particularly the case amongst older respondents:
55-64 year olds (71%), 65+ year olds (69%)
• It is a less common preference amongst London
respondents (47%)
• Dog owners are more likely to prefer making friends in this way
(67%) presumably when out dog walking etc.
05 petcensus2011
51% of respondents also feel more confident talking to people
whilst out with their pet.
• Scottish respondents are highest (64%) and lowest are
South-Eastern (44%)
• It is mainly dog owners (70%) that benefit from such
greater confidence
But a little worrying is the 32% who find it easier to talk to their
pet than the opposite sex.
• The shyness of youth is in evidence with 49% of 18-24
years olds
• One third of females would rather talk to their pet
than a male, compared to 26% of males who are
more comfortable talking to their pet rather than the
opposite sex
72% report that strangers are more likely to interact with
them if they are with their pet.
Social petworking
One in ten respondents has been invited to a pet party.
52% have a picture of their pet on their own social networking page.
• Highest among 55-64 year olds at 16% compared to 7%
35-44 year olds
• 91% 18-24 year olds, 74% 25-34 year olds compared with
21% of 65+
• Much more popular among dog owners (16%) than cats (1%)
• 55% females vs 42% males
9% state that their pets have a Facebook page.
Social networks are the most popular method of sharing pet
photos online:
• A fifth of all 18-24 year olds have a pet Facebook page
compared to 3% of 55+
• Two respondents stated that their rabbits had a page
on bunspace.com
• Other pet sites include Cats United, Champdogs, Catbook,
Dogbook and Dogster
• Social networks are obviously more popular amongst younger
generations for sharing photos. Older generations are more
likely to use email or to not bother at all
• Females are also more likely to use social networks in this way
than males
Do you share photos of your pets online?
4%
Uploads
20%
Email
36%
Don’t share
40%
Social networks
Over half of respondents (53%) let their pet sleep on/in their beds.
• This practice is more of a dog thing (44%) than a cat thing (34%)
• 71% of 18-24 year olds state that this occurs compared to 41%
of 55-64 year olds
Two-thirds of respondents would take in a stray if it kept
appearing in their garden / area.
• It is also more common amongst females (55%) in comparison
with male owners (43%)
• 18-24 year olds (79%) were particularly sensitive to the plight
of strays
• Bed sharing with a pet is prevalent amongst London
respondents (68%)
• Females (70%) were more inclined to take in strays vs male
pet owners (59%)
• Not surprisingly, cats are more likely to share a bed with their
owner (77%) compared to 41% of dog owners and just 9% of
rabbit owners
• Cat owners (72%) were also more likely to take in a stray than
dog owners (66%)
Four out of ten respondents will let their pets lick their face.
• Again this level of pet intimacy is more common amongst 1824 year olds (62%)
• Scottish respondents are most likely to let their pets lick
their faces (49%)
A third of respondents have a picture of their pets in their wallets.
• Only 26% of male respondents do this or admit to doing this
• Scottish respondents are significantly more likely (43%)
to carry a picture
• More common amongst dog owners (38%) than cat owners (27%)
petcensus2011 06
Pet or partner?
A dim view of the opposite sex is taken by 65% of respondents
who feel that their pets are more reliable.
53% of respondents would consider breaking up with a new
partner if their pet didn’t like them.
• This view is particularly popular amongst 18-24 year olds (80%)
• This opinion is significantly higher amongst 55-64 year olds
(59%), and females (55%) in comparison with males 43% (dog
owners 58% vs 46% cat owners)
• Females (67%) are also more likely to favour a pet over
the opposite sex in terms of reliability in comparison with
males (53%)
• A dog as a faithful friend is reflected in respondent’s opinions
with 69% of dog owners feeling that their pet is more reliable,
compared to 58% of cat owners
31% of respondents would rather tell a secret to their pet than
either their partner or best friend.
• Again this is more likely to be true of 18-24 year olds (44%)
and females (33%)
• It is not a habit shared by as many North easterners however (18%)
• Owners are also more likely to share a secret with a dog (33%)
rather than a cat (26%)
Just one in ten respondents, however, feel that their pet’s
reaction has influenced a choice of partner (11% females vs
5% males).
22% would consider getting a new pet to represent the
next stage of commitment before marriage (23% females
vs 17% males).
A personal relationship ending because of a pet is even more
rare (2%) although this proportion rises to 5% amongst 35-44
year olds.
Nearly half of respondents (48%) would include pet’s custody
in a pre-nuptial agreement if they had one (52% females vs 35%
males and 52% dog vs 43% cat).
82% felt that their pet had a ‘6th’ sense of people’s nature.
Three in ten respondents display photos of their pets at their
work office.
• Once again 18-24 year olds were more likely to agree with this
statement (91%)
• Females (33%) are more likely to do this than males (24%)
• It is also belived that dogs have more of a ‘6th’ sense (85%) as
opposed to cats (78%)
07 petcensus2011
• Dogs were also more likely (35%) to be on display
than cats (24%)
Family values
Almost all pet owners thought their pet was an important part of
their family. In fact, 23% took compassionate leave for the death
of a pet. Almost half of all respondents have taken a day off work
due to their pet being ill.
Some of the excuses used;
“Our dog died and we told them it
had gone to look for its parents”
However, although they don’t take it, 73% would appreciate
compassionate leave to mourn the death of a pet.
Respondents were evenly split over whether they felt their
company would understand the need for compassionate leave.
“When our last dog died I told the
children he ran away with his girlfriend”
• Older respondents were less convinced: 55-64 year olds
(43%), 65+ year olds (37%), as were males (42%)
• Dog owners were significantly more likely (53%) to assume
that such an action would be ok in comparison to cat
owners (44%)
91% feel that the distress of a pet is widely underestimated.
• 92% dog owners - two percentage points higher than
cat owners
• 25-34 year olds (93%) and 35-44 year olds (92%) who agree
with this statement is higher than that recorded amongst 65+
year olds (86%)
99% of respondents thought that their pet was an integral
member of the family but three quarters would not put their
pet above anyone else in the family ‘pecking order’.
“we s aid the cat had
gone on holiday”
“I him it had gone to
the moon for a rest”
37% have actually mixed up their pets’ names with the name
of their partner and/or children.
• Dog owners (43%) more likely to make such a mix-up in
comparison to cat owners (29%)
• Most prevalent amongst 35-44 year olds, who are more
likely to have children, and amongst females (42%) in
comparison to males (26%)
One in five respondents admits mixing up the names of their
pet and their partner.
• 8% of respondents, however, claim to put their pets above
everyone, whilst a further 8% put them above themselves
• This mix-up was more common for female respondents (22%)
than male respondents (12%)
A high proportion of respondents (98%) feel that pet ownership
benefits a child’s development.
• A partner is also more likely to be called their dog’s name
(22%) than a cat’s name (16%)
Only 6% of respondents admit to lying to a child about a pet’s
illness or death.
It is also quite common for pets and children’s names to be
mixed up (24%).
• Dog owners are more likely to have done this than cat owners
(6.2% v 4.6%) as are females compared to males (6% v 4.5%)
• This is again more common amongst females (25%) than males
(18%), and dog owners (29%) compared to cat owners (17%)
• This proportion is also higher amongst 35-54 year olds (7%)
A quarter of respondent’s pets share their mealtime with their
owner / owner’s family.
• This is also more likely to happen with a dog (28%) than a
cat (19%)
petcensus2011 08
Pets in society
There was general agreement that pets tend to be more spoilt
these days and are more frequently being bought as status
symbols or fashion accessories.
• Dog owners in particular would like to see more working
animals (police dogs, guide dogs etc) as well as pets in
the workplace
These opinions link in with the views of wanting to see more
working animals as well as pets having more of a presence
in the workplace. The percentages below shows the levels
of agreement with issues surrounding the role of pets.
• 94% of 18-24 year olds feel that pets are more spoilt
than 20 years ago, even though they are not old enough
to remember that far back!
Opinions and % who agree with statement
90%
Pets more spoilt now
than 20 years ago
88%
Pets seen as status
symbols / fashion accessories
76%
65%
It’s a shame there
are not more
working animals
Pets in the workplace
is beneficial to health
and wellbeing
Talk to the animals - why?
Over half of the respondents (58%) speak with a different voice to
their pet.
• This proportion is significantly higher amongst 18 to 24 year
olds at 37%
• More of the younger generation habit with 77% of 18-24 year
olds vs 39% 65+ years
• It is also significantly higher amongst females (26%) in
comparison to males (18%)
• 60% females vs 53% males and 63% cat owners compared to
55% dog owners
• Pet clothing is relatively popular in Yorkshire & Humberside (36%)
Eight out of ten respondents think that their pet understands
what they say to it.
• This view is significantly higher amongst female respondents
(80%) than male respondents (75%)
• Dog owners are more likely to think in this way (84%)
compared to cat (73%) and rabbit (61%) owners
One quarter of respondents have bought clothing for
their pets.
09 petcensus2011
• Not surprisingly, it is more of a dog thing (36%), than for cats
(8%) or, indeed, rabbits (4%)
?
!!!!!!!$%&
Part 2
Diet and
Wellbeing
Food quantities are generally carefully controlled and they
understand illness is associated with obesity. In light of this,
three in every ten respondents stated that they had put their pet
on a diet.
29% give their pets regular medication and 23% give their
pets supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
There is significant evidence, however, of indulging a ‘sweet tooth’
plus the rather naughty habit of giving takeaway food to pets.
More than half of the respondents also reported that their pets
sometimes steal food – in some cases an entire Sunday roast!
It was even found out that 39% of owners state that their pets
sunbathe on a regular basis.
Eating and exercise
The pet owners were asked about the eating habits of their pets and
also whether they recognised illnesses associated with
animal obesity.
more concern among cat-only owners (20%) than dog–only
owners (14%) with owners of both cats and dogs (40%) the
most concerned.
83% of owners aren’t concerned about over feeding their pet.
However when looking at pet owner groups seperately there was
When we asked ‘what is the weirdest human food they have
given their pet as a treat? This is an example of what they said:
18%
“He does not get weird human food as this would be irresponsible.”
said they do not feed their
pets weird human food:
17%
“My cat likes to eat watercress
...at least it’s healthy”
“ …She picks her own wild raspberries
which flourish where we live”
fed their pet fruit
and vegetables:
14%
Strawberry milkshake”
or “strawberry yoghurt”
12%
“He eats anything and mostly leftover food waste from our meals. That is one of
his many purposes i.e. to make good use of and dispose of any leftover food.”
“Dairylea dunkers,
Milky Bar dessert”
“I give my dog cheese
it’s his favourite food”
said their pets
enjoyed dairy
products:
dined on leftovers,
some feasting on
gourmet scraps:
Some bon viveur pets enjoyed
fine dishes including lobster
thermadore, smoked salmon,
trout, steak, squid, octopus,
prosciutto, sushi, snails
and eels!
11%
“Gressingham duck breast with raspberry jus!”
“Ostrich meat”
“Veal scampolini”
“Chocolate ice cream, but just very tiny bits - he loves it!”
enjoy crisps
and sweets:
11 petcensus2011
“Venison, raw kidneys, liver
and heart after I have gutted
deer which I have shot”
“I used to have a cat that liked cheesy wotsits”
Treats!
The majority of respondents (58%) thought that spoiling
their pets with treats was ‘normal’:
• Males were more likely to see treats as ‘a good thing’
or ‘necessary’ than females
• Dog owners tended to take a dimmer view of treats than
cat owners
As addressed in the next section, ‘Illness and Obesity’, a great
majority of respondents (91%) knew the recommended weight for
their pet and how much to feed them. However, nearly half of all
respondents (42%) still gave their pet takeaway food.
• This proportion was significantly higher amongst 25-34
year olds and, in particular, respondents from the West
Midlands (53%)
• Fish & chips (41%) were the most often mentioned takeaway
food given to pets followed by Chinese (21%), Pizza (16%)
and curries (10%)
“Fried ‘samosa’; an Indian recipe which contains
readymade potato vegetable pudding in the slice of
bread and later fry it in ground nut oil. A weird combo.”
“…The weirdest (at least for a cat) is probably chips…”
“He likes Kentucky Fried Chicken”
“Thai green curry (he stole it)”
“Chinese crispy seaweed”
“Chicken masala and dopiaza”
petcensus2011 12
Less than one quarter of respondents (21%) felt that their pet had
a sweet tooth.
• Highest amongst West Midlands respondents (30%),
double those from the South East
“A white chocolate sweet with
sprinkles on top called ‘Jazzies’”
“Thornton’s chocolates, …
and sour sweets
“Homemade saffron rice cake”
“Our dog is a Cadbury’s
Freddo bar chocoholic”
0% of respondents stated that they gave their pet a special meal
4
for a special occasion.
• Again 25-34 year olds were more likely to do so
• This practice was particularly prevalent (64%)
amongst Londoners
• A special meal was most likely to be served up at
Christmas (62%), followed by a birthday (25%)
Just 5% of respondents feed their pet vegetarian food.
• However this is highly dependent on the type of pet owned
with 73% of rabbit owners feed their pets vegetarian food
compared to just 3% of dog owners and 1% of cat owners
8% admitted to giving in to ‘puppy dog eyes’ styles of pleading
2
for food.
• 44% of 65+ year olds and 36% of 55-64 year olds
compared to 22% of 25-34 year olds and 15% of 18-24
year olds
• This practice was also more common amongst respondents
from Yorkshire & Humberside (42%)
Pets stealing food was reported by over half the respondents (56%)
• This phenomenon was more common amongst the less
indulgent owner age groups – 18-34 year olds (63%)
Less than one quarter of respondents (23%) let their pets lick
a plate clean when they have finished with it.
13 petcensus2011
• Only 23% of respondents admitted that they indulged their
pet’s sweet tooth. Interestingly, the vast majority of West
Midlands’ respondents (92%) showed restraint in this area
“Love Heart sweets”
“Extra strong mints”
“A cake containing coconut and raspberry jam”
“Blueberry
Muffin”
Illness and obesity
Owners appear to be well informed regarding which illnesses
are related to overweight pets. The following table shows the
percentage of owners who feel that each illness is related to
being overweight.
• Women link illnesses to being overweight to a greater extent
than men
• There are significant differences between cat and dog owners
on all illnesses (dog is always higher)
• The largest region associating being overweight with illness
is the health conscious Channel Islands 61% compared to
Northern Ireland 37%
Causes of over feeding
Not surprisingly, therefore, the great majority
of respondents (91%) knew the recommended
weight for their pet and how much to feed them.
89%
87%
Diabetes
Decreased life
expectancy
91%
Heart disease
3%
None of these
85%
Breathing
difficulties
32%
Hair loss/
skin disease
45%
Depression
81%
73%
Lethargy
Arthritis
petcensus2011 14
Walkies!
The majority of cats are allowed outside. 26% said their cats are
house cats (kept indoors).
The majority of dogs (80%) have regular walks every day
without fail.
• Women are significantly more likely to have a house cat that is
not allowed out (26% v 23% for men)
• Women are significantly more likely to walk their dogs regularly
without fail
• The over 45s let their cat outside significantly more than the
under 45s
• The over 45s are more likely to walk their dogs than
the average
Which best summarises how you exercise your dog
My dog has regular walks
every day without fail
My dog is walked as often
as possible but sometimes
there isn’t time
My dog should be walked
more than it is
How many hours a day sat in front of TV with you?
The following pie chart details the amount of time typically spent
by pets in front of the TV with their owners.
• Pets and their owners in the East Midlands are more likely to
be ‘couch potatoes’
31%
• Approaching one-quarter of 45-54 year olds state that they
don’t watch TV with their pets at all
2-4 hours
5%
More than
4 hours
15 petcensus2011
46%
18%
Less than
two hours
Less than
two hours
Part 3
Purchasing
Pet purchasing and purchases
We found out that dogs are more likely to be bought, particularly
from breeders whilst a significant portion still get their cats from
rescue charities. Pets can cost over £500, although this tends to be
for specific dog breeds rather than cats and rabbits which tend to
cost under £100.
A relatively high proportion of respondents (66%) would take in a
stray but these tended to be cat owners rather than dog owners.
Dogs are the lucky ones as they are more frequently ‘treated’ with
gifts than cats and, indeed, a third of respondents treat their pet
more frequently than they treat their partner.
Respondents have been relatively impervious to the recession,
although 21% have struggled with pet healthcare costs at one
time or another.
Buying a pet
Three in every ten respondents got their pet from a charity.
The majority of respondents paid less than £500 for their pet:
• This proportion increased to 38% for over 65 respondents
• Not surprisingly more tends to be paid for a dog than a cat
• It was also proportionately more popular amongst Welsh
respondents (41%)
• Just one respondent spent £100+ on a rabbit
• Cat owners were more likely to obtain their pets from a charity
(37%) than dog owners (25%)
Conversely 78% of respondents bought their pet.
• A pet purchase was most prevalent amongst 55-64 year
olds (83%)
• Dog owners were far more likely to pay for their pet (88%) than
cat owners (62%)
46% of the respondents felt that the pet breed was more
important than the cost.
• This approach was one that 55-64 year olds were more likely
to be able to afford (54%), particularly in comparison with
25-34 year olds (39%) and 18-24 year olds (26%)
• Males are more likely to prioritise breed (54%) than females
(44%), also this is driven by a greater propensity for dog
purchases amongst males
• Dog buyers concentrated on breed (64%) more than cat (19%)
or rabbit (24%) buyers
Of those who purchased a pet, 46% obtained it from a breeder,
10% bought from a family member, whilst 4% visited a pet shop.
• 57% of dog purchases were from breeders
• 47% of rabbits were most likely bought from pet shops
17 petcensus2011
££££
How much did you pay for your pet?
85% of respondents considered the financial commitment
before purchasing.
• Females (86%) were more likely to consider long term costs
than males (80%), as were respondents more the East
Midlands (93%)
• Dog owners (88%) were also more likely to hold long term
costs in mind in comparison with cat owners (80%)
78% purchased a pet for companionship and respondents also
looked to help out abandoned or stray animals, whilst others
purchased for children or a partner.
• The companionship theme was stronger amongst dog
owners than cat owners. Significantly more cat owners (44%)
however were looking to help strays
• Younger, perhaps single, respondents were also more likely
to be looking for a companion. 35-54 years olds appeared to
be responding to pressure from family members more than
younger respondents
20%
Nothing
32%
Less than £100
34%
£101-£500
14%
Over £500
• More females were also looking for a companion, whilst 33%
males vs 20% females had bought for their child or partner
If money was no object...
London pets are the most indulged with 10% spending up to
£2,000 on their pet.
The recession has cut pet spending amongst just 12%
of respondents.
Almost half of the owners (47%) spend between £501 and £1000
on their pet each year.
• Just 2% of 65+ year olds have cut spending in this way
• Expenditure is linked to life stage 18-24 year olds and retired
owners tend to spend less
• A greater proportion of females (13%) have been affected by the
recession, in pet–spending terms, than males (8%)
• Women tend to spend more than men
If money was no object 30% of respondents would buy for their
pets a bigger house with a garden.
• The big spenders are London based with the lowest Wales
and Northern Ireland close behind
Other choices included a pet companion (6%), a new / heated
bed (5%), a swimming / hydrotherapy pool (5%) or a field (3%).
66% of owners buy accessories for their pets as well as birthday
and Christmas presents.
Most respondents (94%) would cut back on luxury items
including holidays to pay for treatment when a pet became ill.
32% buy treats and gifts more often for their pets than their partners.
• Relatively more dog owners (95%) were committed to such
a course of action
• More prevalent amongst 18-24 year olds (49%) compared with
65+ year olds (20%)
• Dog owners are more generous than (37%) cat owners (22%)
The most popular ‘extravagant’ purchase for a pet is a bed (38%).
• 25-34 year olds were also more inclined to cut back on
luxuries as were females
• In regional terms, respondents from the North West and South
West were most likely to support their pet in this way (95%)
petcensus2011 18
27% have adapted their house for their pet, 5% have moved house
and 15% have bought a bigger car. 20% changed holidays in order
to take the pet.
Whilst there is some evidence of cost–cutting methods, the
re-homing of a pet when owners are struggling financially is
relatively unusual.
15% of respondents have included their pet in their will.
• With expenditure linked to life stage, respondents between the ages
of 18 to 34 are more likely to seek out cost–cutting measures
• Older generations are more likely to have a will and so 65+
year olds (30%) are the most likely to have taken this step
More than half of respondents, however, (54%) would include
their pet in a will.
• The table below demonstrates the extra financial burden of
multiple pet ownership, i.e. cats and dogs, in particular when
purchasing pet food and supplies
• Cost cutting measures are also more prevalent in areas of
the country with lower average wages: North East, Wales,
Northern Ireland and West Midlands
• 18-24 year olds (73%) and 57% females vs 42% men
Cost–cutting measures
11
7
Switch from leading
brand to own brand
pet purchases
Reduce
number of toys
and treats
%
19 petcensus2011
%
2%
Re-home pet
due to birth
of child
1%
Re-home pet
due to changing
finances
83
%
None of
the above
Part 4
Social Behaviour
DASBOs (Dog Anti-Social Behaviour Orders)
Dog ASBOs have already been
introduced in Scotland and
law is being pushed to introduce
them to the rest of the UK.
here was general agreement that people should control their
T
pets better and bad behaviour results from poor ownership skills.
Injuries inflicted on pets by other animals are also of great concern.
They are legislation which will target dogs that are out of control or
owners who are not training their dog properly, especially owners
using their dogs for violence or anti-social behaviour.
• Older respondents tend to be more in agreement with the
stated ownership and control issues as well as prevention
of injury
The concept of ‘dog ASBOs’ finds favour with 64% of respondents
when asked about the impact of other people’s pets.
• In regional terms, respondents in the North and West Midlands
are most worried about their pets being injured
• Not surprisingly, prevention of injury to the pet resonates more
highly with dog owners than cat owners. Proportionately more
women are also concerned about pet injuries compared to men
DASBOs (Dog Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) Opinions and % who agree with statement
93%
People need to have
better control of
their pets
91%
Badly behaved pets
result from poor pet
ownership skills
58%
I’m worried about my pet
being injured by another pet
21 petcensus2011
86%
I take precautions
to prevent my pet
being injured
52%
Minority of pet owners are
truly responsible & considerate
of others
82%
People should be taught basic
pet ownership skills before
pet purchase
76% have experienced distressing incidents with other animals.
They range from long periods of barking/meowing (44%) to
physical injury to a pet (26%).
• Proportionately more cat owners have had such experiences
in comparison with dog owners, in particular not walking on
grass to avoid dog mess and their pet being injured by
another animal
• Women have tended to have worse experience of
menacing dogs and dog mess than men
Over half the respondents (54%) would discipline another
person’s pet.
• Confidence to do so is higher amongst 35-44 year olds
(59%) than 18-24 year olds (42%)
• A significantly higher proportion (61%) from the West Midlands
• Dog owners are likely to take such measures and this
is reflected in the proportion who would take action if
needed (57%)
Home alone pets
Over half of those surveyed are not worried about leaving their
pet alone (56%).
In a typical day most pets are left alone for up to five hours with
5% left for over 8 hours.
• Unsurprisingly cats are left alone significantly longer than dogs
• Men are significantly more likely than women to leave their
pets alone for less time
In a typical day how many hours is your pet left alone?
35%
Over 2 and up to 5 hours
40%
Less than 2 hours
5%
20%
Over 5 and up
to 8 hours
Over 8
hours
petcensus2011 22
We asked about associated
behaviours to understand whether
any pets have shown signs of
distress while being left alone.
• The youngest age groups have reported that they have seen
more of these types of behaviour and differences significantly
higher than the average are shown below
• 56% said their animals had exhibited none of these behaviours
Similarities to human illnesses is less common however at
14% of responses, with the more common illnesses being
allergies (36%), hay fever (10%), stress (10%) and asthma (7%).
• More women say none of these and more men agree with the
statements (except trying to escape)
33% recognise anxiety as the most common pet mental
ailment with 7% recognising anger, 7% depression and 6%
loneliness (6%).
Behaviour associated with distress at being left alone
24%
Done a wee /poo
other than in
designated area
27%
Scratched / chewed furniture
56%
8%
None of these
Excessive barking / howling / meowing
3%
Tried to escape
23 petcensus2011
3%
Displayed unusual
behaviour