For Immediate Release

HALF THE NATION'S PETS WILL BE VISITED BY SANTA PAWS THIS CHRISTMAS 

-         Nearly half of pet owners treat their pets to festive gifts

-         90% say pets are "members of the family," with almost half of women calling them their "fur babies"

This Christmas, it's not just humans who will be unwrapping presents under the tree - almost half (46%) of the UK's cats and dogs are set to receive their own special gift, according to Insure Your Paws, a specialist pet insurance provider, which commissioned an Opinium* survey of over 1,000 UK cat and dog owners.

With 90% of pet owners considering their furry companions as part of the family, it is no surprise that festive pampering is high on the holiday agenda.

For nearly half of women pet owners (45%), these beloved animals are more than just pets - they are "fur babies," compared to a quarter (25%) of men who feel the same. In fact, 14% of all pet owners confess they love their pets more than any other family member, with that number rising to 20% among younger people under 34.

During the festive season, don't expect these "pampered" pets to lift a paw, as they'll be too busy taking it easy on the sofa (62%), and enjoying special treats, like doggy ice cream (19%). This is assuming they've even bothered to get out bed, as (40%) sleep on their owner's bed.

We can also expect to see at least one in ten dogs modelling this season's Christmas jumpers, particularly when 12% of pet owners, under 34, have a social media account dedicated to their four-legged friend.

Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, said: "For many of us, pets are at the heart of family life, joining us on the sofa for movie nights, enjoying special treats and even receiving Christmas presents."

He continues, "As pet owners, we naturally want the best for our furry companions. This Christmas, if a pet were to eat something they shouldn't, like chocolate, many pet owners appreciate the reassurance provided by pet insurance, knowing that if their pet is injured or becomes ill, they don't need to worry about how they're going to pay for the treatment. Insure Your Paws offers comprehensive coverage including up to £10,000 vet fee cover, a 24/7 veterinary helpline called Assist Your Paws, and other benefits like emergency boarding and third-party liability for eligible dogs."

* Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 20 - 26 June 2024.

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For more information please contact:

Frances Knox, Frankly PR frances@frankly-pr.co.uk + 44 7850 470123

Cath Roan, Roan Media cath@roanmedia.co.uk +44 7801 817 451

Notes to Editors 

Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited trading as InsureYourPaws.co.uk is a private limited company incorporated in Ireland with company number 345681 and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited's UK Branch is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, Firm Reference Number 984290 and its registered address is Parkview, 82 Oxford Road, Uxbridge UB8 1UX.

Insure Your Paws offers a range of high quality pet insurance policies for dogs and cats from eight weeks of age, including Maximum Benefit and Lifetime Cover. Its products offer a wide range of benefits including veterinary fees, emergency boarding, third party liability (dogs only), death due to an accident or illness, holiday cancellation, and advertising and reward. It also offers a free 24/7 Veterinary Helpline, Assist Your Paws, for its customers.