Did you fur-get? New data shows 1 in 10 pet owners let vaccinations lapse

Pet ownership comes with a number of responsibilities - such as feeding them, cleaning up after them, and keeping them healthy. However, the latest research from Go.Compare Pet Insurance suggests a number of pet owners could be dropping the ball, with more than 1 in 10 (11%) admitting they haven’t kept up to date with their cat or dog’s vaccinations.* 

With recent figures estimating there are 13.5 million pet dogs and 12.5 million pet cats in the UK**, this means there could be as many as 3 million pets that are unvaccinated.

Staying on top of your pet’s vaccinations is vital, as it helps keep them safe from common diseases like distemper and parvovirus, which can be devastating if contracted. In the UK, puppies and kittens typically receive their first jabs at around 8 weeks of age, and once fully grown it’s important they visit the vet annually to keep vaccinations up to date. A lapse in your pet’s vaccinations will leave them unprotected and at risk of contracting a potentially fatal illness.

Rhys Jones, Go.Compare Pet Insurance expert, said: “We all want our pets to be as healthy and happy as possible - and keeping on top of vaccinations is an important part of that. If you’re prone to forgetting, then consider setting yourself a calendar alarm to remind you to book in with the vet.

“For dogs, vaccinations offer immunity to a number of diseases that can be really quite deadly otherwise - such as parvovirus and distemper. For cats, vaccinations protect against feline flu and leukaemia among other things. These conditions are often not covered by pet insurance, so it’s vital your pet is protected - both for their health, and your wallet. 

“Your vet will give you a vaccination record for your pet, so you can see exactly what’s been given and when your pet is due another dose.

“The cost of your pet’s vaccinations won’t usually be covered by pet insurance - so if this is something you’re concerned about, it’s worth talking to your vets about whether they can set up a payment plan for you. Many vets also offer monthly healthcare plans, which you can use to split the cost instead of facing a large annual fee. Additionally, if you are retired, on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get help from an animal charity such as the PDSA or Dogs Trust.

“It’s likely your pet insurance provider will want to know whether your pet’s vaccinations are up to date - and if they aren’t, this has the potential to affect your premium. Additionally, if your pet contracts a disease that could have been prevented by a vaccination, you may not be able to claim for the treatment.

“Ultimately, the most important thing is making sure your four legged friends are safe and happy - so remember to go for regular check-ups with your vet and stay up to date with everything they need, including vaccinations.”

To learn more about pet vaccinations, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/guide-to-pet-vaccinations/.