Latest pet census

The results of the Petplan 2011 pet census were out recently and a survey of 10,000 owners revealed lots of new information about the way we view our relationship with our pets.   There are more than 24million pet owners in the UK and the census shows that pets play an enormous part in their owners lives.  Well, we already knew that didn’t we?

Full marks:

• 37% of owners have mixed up the names of their pets and their children. (we’ve all done it)
• 65% feel their pet is more reliable than their spouse (no doubting it)
• 66% would take in a stray if it appeared in their garden (so many kind hearted people)
• 80% have regular walks every day    (we go walks even in the rain)
• 50% would include the pet in our will  (will they be alright when we’re gone?)
• 32% buy treats and gifts more for our pet than our partner  (it’s important that they like us)
• 33% chose their pet from animal rescue (thanks folks)
• 23% take compassionate leave when their pet passes away (shows how much we care)

But not so good:

• 83% aren’t concerned about over feeding their pet (obese dogs are very unhealthy)
• 41% feed their dogs fish and chips (fattening food – keep your pet away from the chippy)
• 64% are in favour of dog asbos (we need more education and information and less bureaucracy)
• 56% are not worried about leaving their dog home alone (for a little while is o.k. – too long and your pet is lonely)
• 50% would discipline another person’s pet (it’s up to the owner)

Pets are members of our family and are important to us, we care about them and they have a big impact on our lives.   They are a different species to us though and we should respect their right to freedom and a natural life.   You can download the Petplan Census at www.petplan.co.uk/petcensus.