West Country's Pampered Pets


1 in 5 owners 'love pets as much as their children'
West Country pet owners are the most likely in UK to consider a pet-related pre-nuptial agreement
Most likely to prepare hand-cooked, organic food
Most likely to give pets Christmas and birthday presents
Most likely to give pets a specially designed bed
Most likely to buy a family car to suit the pet
Most likely to pay a month's wages in rewards for lost pets
More than 25% have pet insurance
One in five of the West Country's pet owners say that they love their four-legged friends 'as much as their children'. This may account for the fact that 17% of owners in the West Country have included their pets on pre-nuptial agreements - the highest proportion in the UK.

Such affection also shows in the way they are fed with 20% of West Country pets having developed a taste for hand-cooked meals - the highest percentage in the country. And almost 10% of their lovingly prepared meals are made with pure organic ingredients.

With more than 80% of the South West's dog owners spending more than 10 per month on food for their pets - one of the highest levels in the country - they are clearly prepared to put their money where their heart is.

Almost three quarters of pets in the South West can look forward to a Christmas present this year, with almost a third also getting a birthday present. One in five owners will happily spend more than 10 a time on pet presents.
It's a very different outlook for pets in the North of Scotland where canny owners take a far less sentimental view of their pets. It is perhaps not surprising that pet owners in the North of Scotland reported a higher percentage of 'nervous pets' than anywhere else in the UK.

But many skeptics are concerned that health insurance for pets will see an increase in the red tape us humans already encounter every day.

Petplan Insurance

Has he lost weight recently as a result of not eating enough?

Take time to sit down and relax deeply next to your animal companion. Lifetime cover is vital if your pet develops a long-term condition such as arthritis or eczema, yet many policies stop paying out after the first 12 months of treatment. You can go on to buy a policy in just three quick and easy steps, or you can find all the information you need to make your insurance decision.