Pet insurance 'can help in break-ups'

By Marianne Straker, Tue 16 Sep 2008 - Published in Pet Insurance

Animal owners should ensure their pet insurance covers their companions' mental as well as physical health, it has been suggested.

Sainsbury's Pet Insurance has seen a 28 per cent increase in claims linked to animals' behaviour over the past 12 months, with master separation syndrome being cited as one of the main reasons.

Neal Devine, Sainsbury's Pet Insurance manager, suggested that animals, especially cats and dogs, are susceptible to the stress caused by their owners' break-up, which can lead them to become agitated and depressed.

He added: "Pet owners should be aware that good quality pet insurance doesn't just cover vet fees but will provide cover for behavioural issues as well."

Mr Devine also suggested the pet insurance may become more important after a relationship break-up, due to the impact vet's bills could have on a single-income owner.

Earlier this year, research from the firm suggested up to 11 million people in the UK could be without pet insurance, with 42 per cent saying they do not think it is necessary.

Another ten per cent believed the cover is too expensive, while eight per cent claimed the cat or dog was healthy.

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