One in five dog owners will have their “best friend” put down when they are faced with expensive bills for veterinary treatments, Direct Line Pet Insurance found.
According to research by the pet insurance provider, more than £800 million is spent on vet fees annually.
With the average cost of treatment coming to £154 a year, almost a quarter of dog owners admit that they struggle to settle their vet bills.
In order to afford their pets’ treatment, ten per cent of dog owners have delayed paying other bills, and six per cent have opted for loans.
The life savings of 15 per cent of canine owners were raided in order to pay for vet treatment.
“With no NHS for animals, dog owners make great financial sacrifices to protect the health of their pets,” commented Chris Price, head of Direct Line Pet Insurance.
He also pointed out that with more than 85 per cent of pet owners going without pet insurance, real problems are caused when pets have to go for treatment.
The pet insurance provider also called on vets to clearly display prices so that pet owners are spared “unnecessary financial anxiety”.
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