Petplan Pet Census 2011

Pet insurer, Petplan, (part of Allianz Insurance), has released some interesting early data from a survey of over 10,000 pet owners. The research forms part of the Petplan Pet Census due out in 2011, covering health, finance, social and family aspects of British pets.

The recently released results focus on so-called 'pet parenting' and female pet owners in particular:

84% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 report getting their pet for companionship.

75% of those who worry about leaving their pet alone when they are working, are female. Close to 14%, (reported as 1 in 7) of these people employ dog walkers and cat sitters to make sure their pet is not left alone for more than five hours a day.

82% of those surveyed, (male and female) admitted to feeding their pets treat foods such as cheese, crisps and cake. Petplan reports this as compensating for their separation guilt.

17% admitted to being told their pet is overweight.

Almost 70% buy their pets birthday and Christmas presents.

28% say they have adapted their homes for their pet.

20% change their holiday destinations to allow their pet to go too.