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Getting your first pet: everything new pet owners should consider

Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, and bringing an animal into your home starts a special bond.

While having a pet brings joy, it also comes with responsibility. Before you adopt a new furry friend, there are some important things to think about to make sure you’re ready for the commitment.

Posted: 20/1/2025

Dog and cat

Pet ownership: a life-changing decision  

In a recent Post Office Pet Insurance survey1 of 2,000 UK people, we wanted to find out how ready the nation is to welcome pets into their lives, and what existing pet owners had to say.

Our survey found 65% of people think taking on a pet is as big a life milestone as having children. 59% said it changed their lives. Many explained how it made them feel happier. Others emphasised the added responsibilities it brought. 

In this article, we'll explore everything new pet owners need to know. From choosing the right pet for your lifestyle and common challenges, to picking the perfect name and protecting them with pet insurance

Is pet ownership right for you?  

Choosing to bring a pet into your home is a big decision, and it’s important to ensure you’re fully prepared. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

  • Can you commit to meeting a pet’s needs long term, from companionship to healthcare?
  • Do you have the time and energy to care for an animal daily, especially if your lifestyle is already busy?
  • Are you prepared for the cost of owning a pet? Food, vet visits, training, and pet insurance can add up over time  
  • How will your family or current pets react to a new addition?
  • Have you researched the specific breed or type of animal to understand their unique needs?
  • How much is pet care for the pet I’m looking to insure?

For many people, getting a pet is a dream come true. But our research shows that owning a pet can be harder than expected. Across the UK, a third (33%) of pet owners rate the time needed to care for their pet as high.

Pets offer benefits like companionship and unconditional love. In fact, 59% of people said this was their main reason for getting a pet. Taking the time to reflect on why you want a pet can help ensure you’re ready to enjoy the rewarding journey of pet ownership.

What are the easiest pets to take care of?

Whether you’re considering owning a dog, getting a cat or having other smaller animals, the type of pet you choose should suit your lifestyle and personality. 

Some dog breeds require more effort than others. For instance, German shepherds, Bernese mountain dogs and bulldogs are considered some of the most time- and cost-intensive pets. In contrast, owning a cat may be more manageable for someone with less time as our feline friends tend to be more independent. If you're feeling unsure, think about what type of pet would fit best with your daily routine. It's a helpful way to narrow down your options and find a companion that's right for you.

Compatibility is key. Four in ten pet owners advise it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and time commitments before bringing home a new pet. If you want a jogging buddy, an older dog that likes naps might not be the best choice. Similarly, if you travel a lot and are very social, a rabbit might not be ideal because they need a lot of attention.

Many pet owners are surprised to learn how much pet insurance cost can vary by breed or type. For example, our survey found that three in ten owners didn’t know certain pets were significantly more expensive to insure. 31% thought dog insurance was the easiest to arrange, while 30% believed smaller pets like rabbits would have simpler options. 

This shows there’s still some confusion about pet insurance across the UK. In fact, almost one in five people aged 16 to 24 admitted they weren’t even aware pet insurance existed at all or before getting their first pet.3

How do you take care of a pet?

Owning a pet isn’t just about cuddles and companionship. It’s also about planning for unexpected costs and challenges.

Common health issues are important to consider, as they can lead to high vet bills. It's just one of the reasons why it’s important to consider insuring your pet

According to Post Office claims data from Jan 1st 2024 – October 31st 2024, the most common claims for all pets include accidental injuries and stomach problems. 

For dogs, the next most common claims issues are skin conditions and bone and joint issues. For cats, teeth and gum issues, as well as tumours, warts, and cysts, are frequent claims. For rabbits, eye problems are common, yet only the seventh most common claim for both cats and dogs.

Understanding these potential challenges can help you prepare for pet ownership and make sure you know how to care for a pet.

Do I need pet insurance?

For anyone considering getting a pet or wondering “are pet care plans worth it?”, being prepared is key. Over one third (35%) of pet owners urge new adopters to plan for unforeseen expenses, while others (29%) stress the importance of researching a pet’s needs thoroughly. Insurance provides peace of mind, helping to cover unexpected issues and costs, particularly if a pet’s life expectancy is particularly especially long or if they develop a long-term condition.

The joy of pet ownership

Bringing a pet into your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Pets bring joy through playful moments and offer comfort with their quiet companionship. They give us unconditional love and make our lives better in countless ways.

To ensure a happy and fulfilling bond with your new furry friend, it’s important to prepare well. Do your research, plan for surprises, and make thoughtful choices that benefit both you and your pet. A little preparation now will lead to a bright and happy future together.

Choosing the perfect pet name

Finally, the biggest excitement once you’ve chosen your pet is choosing the name. Surprisingly, 27% of respondents from our new pet insurance survey spent more time researching their pet’s name than pet insurance. 

According to people who've bought Post Office Pet Insurance the most popular pet names are the following.

Dog Names:

  1. Luna
  2. Teddy
  3. Bella
  4. Milo
  5. Buddy

Cat Names:

  1. Luna
  2. Milo
  3. Simba 
  4. Loki
  5. Willow

Rabbit Names:

  1. Flopsy , Fluffy Thumper
  2. Coco, Oreo, Willow

Top pet names according to our survey, across all pets: 

  1. Bella
  2. Buddy
  3. Max
  4. Poppy
  5. Rosie
  6. Daisy
  7. Luna
  8. Bill/Billy
  9. Sky
  10. Buster

Key takeaways

  • Pet ownership is a big commitment: Before getting a pet, think about whether you can meet their long-term needs, including costs like vet care and pet cover
  • Choose a pet that suits your lifestyle: Different pets have different needs. Pick one that matches your lifestyle, personality and available time
  • Plan for unexpected costs: Vet bills for common health issues can add up. Pet insurance can help cover these unexpected costs and ongoing health conditions
  • Research and prepare thoroughly: Learn about the specific needs of your chosen pet and plan for their care, from daily routines to potential challenges
  • Enjoy the journey: Bringing a pet into your home can be life-changing, bringing joy, companionship and love if you’re well-prepared

Put protection in place for your much-loved pets

  • The easiest pets to care for are low-maintenance and independent. Most fish require a small tank and minimal upkeep, while small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs are easy to feed and house.

    Cats are known for being generally more independent than dogs, with the amount of time needed to care for dogs largely depending on their breed. French bulldogs, chihuahuas and pugs are relatively low-maintenance pets due to their minimal exercise needs. Dogs such as Afghan hounds and poodles are considered more high(2) maintenance as they require regular and professional grooming.

    However, the best pet for you depends on your lifestyle, personality and living situation. Always research thoroughly to ensure you can meet your pet's needs and provide them with a happy and healthy life.

  • Owning a pet is a joyful experience, but it does come with its challenges. Pets rely on their owners for everything from training and grooming to proper nutrition, exercise, and emotional care. Behavioural issues, like barking or anxiety, can develop if their needs for stimulation and companionship aren’t met, and health concerns often require regular vet visits, vaccinations, and occasional emergencies. Life changes, like moving or shifting schedules, can also affect their well-being.

  • A microchip is a small, rice-sized device implanted under your pet's skin, providing a permanent form of identification. It contains a unique ID number linked to your contact details in a secure database, which can be scanned by vets or animal shelters to help reunite you with your pet if they get lost.

    So, do you need to microchip your pet? In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all dogs and cats to be microchipped by the time they are eight and twenty weeks old respectively. While it's not compulsory for other pets, microchipping is still highly recommended as a simple and effective way to ensure your pet’s safety and increase the chances of being reunited if they go missing. 

  • No, pet insurance does not include care provided by friends, as care and treatments need to be administered by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary clinic. Some policies extend to other certified professionals, such as animal physical therapists or behaviourists, but these must also be licensed and accredited.

  • Pet Insurance policies from the Post Office can be transferred to a new owner. If you rehome your pet and would like the cover transferred to the new owner, you can contact us through your pet portal.

  • The Post Office currently offer dog insurance, rabbit insurance, and cat insurance. To find out more about the specific cover for each animal, the breeds we don’t cover, or to get a quote for your pet, you can find more information here

How we help protect your pets

  • Dog Insurance

    Protect your puppy or dog in case of unexpected vet bills, loss or theft, and conditions they develop in future with Post Office Dog Insurance.

  • Cat Insurance

    Whether your stays indoors or goes out, our cover helps protect them against the unexpected, including unexpected vet bills, loss, theft and more.

  • Rabbit Insurance

    Rabbits are much-loved members of the family too, and need protecting. Post Office Rabbit Insurance can help give the reassurance you need.

About our research

1 The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Post Office Pet Insurance. Data was collected from a sample of 2,001 nationally representative UK respondents, aged 16+ between 02.12.2024 and 04.12.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
(2) ‘Very high’ and ‘high’ responses combined
3 ‘Not particularly aware’ and ‘not at all aware’ responses combined