Average vet bills in the UK among the over 50s have increased by 11 per cent since 2008, according to Claims data from Saga
Pet Insurance.
Saga says this is more than double the annual rate of inflation, which has only increased by 5 per cent over the same period. Moreover, annual vet fees have increased by 53 per cent since 2007 (from £391) and 101 per cent since 2006 (from £298).
Regionally, says Saga, the North East has seen the biggest increase in vet costs since 2008. For cats, bills have risen by 29 per cent from £324 to £417. Dog owners in this region still bear the brunt of heftier costs, but the increase is slightly less at 17 per cent, from £561 to £656.
According to Saga’s claims data, among the bills that aren't as pressing on the purse, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands provide the cheapest care for both cats (£298) and dogs (£452).
“As vet bills are vastly surpassing inflation, pet insurance is therefore a vital tool to help owners budget for unforeseen costs of care for their cat or dog that may arise in the future,” said Andrew Goodsell, chief executive, Saga Group Ltd.
“Especially for those aged over 50, whose income is already being squeezed at both ends in the current economic climate.
"As a nation we consider pets as members of the family. Without the appropriate insurance, owners could be faced with the prospect of being unable to afford care because it's simply too expensive, a situation no one would choose to put themselves in."
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