The UK is a nation of pet lovers who sacrifice their social lives to make sure their four-legged friends are happy, research from Saga Pet Insurance shows. On Bonfire night almost two thirds (60%) of cat and dog owners will specifically stay indoors with their pets to provide comfort.
The older generation is shown to be the most sympathetic, with a staggering three quarters (75%) choosing to stay in, compared to 49% of under-50s. Almost half (46%) of people celebrate it with a third (32%) attend specially organised firework displays and over one in ten (13%) will go to a Bonfire night party.
Bonfire night celebrations can mean confusion for pets, but pet owners in the UK have developed ways to help their furry friends get through the season. A third (35%) of owners turn up the TV or radio to drown out the noise, while one in seven (15%) will ensure their pets get extra exercise during the day to tire them out before the evening entertainment. Over one million** owners are even using alternative therapies, such as remedial massage or aromatherapy, to help calm their pets nerves.
How Brits help pets during firework season:
1. Stay in with them – 60%
2. Turn up TV radio to drown out noise – 35%
3. Give them special treats – 18%
4. Give pets more exercise during the day to tire them out – 15%
5. Provide alternative remedies such as massage/ aromatherapy – 5%
The younger generation is shown to be less aware of potential problems with their pets on Bonfire night with a fifth (19%) stating they go out as normal without making any extra provisions, compared to just 8% of over 50s. However, younger owners are more likely to give their pets extra treats to keep them happy, with a quarter (25%) giving them special snacks, compared to one in four (20%) over-50s.
A spokesperson for Saga Pet Insurance commented: “Saga commissioned the study as it wanted to highlight the various methods available to cat and dog owners to help keep their four-legged friends safe and calm during the firework season. The use of holistic remedies and therapies is clearly growing in popularity, and is a healthier alternative to giving pets extra food treats, which also featured high in the survey.”
Saga knows how upsetting it is when a pet is injured or falls ill, and sometimes this can be compounded by the worry of large vets’ bills. For those aged 50 or over, Saga’s Pet Insurance can provide peace of mind from as little as £4.58 per month for a cat and £10.37 per month for a dog***.
-ENDS-
Editors notes:
* Research conducted by Opinium on an online poll of 2,021 British adults between 22 to 28 September 2009
** 45% of 48million UK adults own a cat or dog= 21,600,000
5% of 21,600,000 cat and dog owners use alternative therapies to calm their pets = 1,080,000 owners
*** Prices correct as at 4 August 2009. Cover includes:
• ‘Cover for life’ with our Essential and Super Policies, which means we do not withdraw cover for conditions once your pet has had them for over a year as long as you renew each year.
• Treatment at your chosen vet surgery, where your pet is familiar with the staff and surroundings
• Advertising and reward costs to help find a lost or stolen pet
• Travel expenses paid if your vets refers your pet to a specialist
• Boarding kennel fees covered if you have to spend more than 4 days in hospital.
For further information, please contact:
Naomi Thornton
Saga Press Office
Tel 01303 771529
Email: naomi.thornton@
