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:
- Luna
- Teddy
- Bella
- Milo
- Buddy
Cat Names:
- Luna
- Milo
- Simba
- Loki
- Willow
Rabbit Names:
- Flopsy , Fluffy Thumper
- Coco, Oreo, Willow
Top pet names according to our survey, across all pets:
- Bella
- Buddy
- Max
- Poppy
- Rosie
- Daisy
- Luna
- Bill/Billy
- Sky
- Buster