£22,500 over a dog’s lifetime

10 March 2008

Figures indicate dogs cost a lot more than the price in the window

According to the insurer, Direct Line, dog owners can expect to pay out an average of £22,500 over the dog’s lifetime.

This price includes food, kennelling, microchipping, and regular and unexpected vet fees.

Vet’s bills are likely to account for the largest proportion of this figure, but this may change in the near future as insurers report an increase in the number of liability claims against owners whose dogs have caused injuries.

Chris Price, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “We are getting more claims for liability and they are more expensive, with one going through at the moment for £168,000 for a child bitten by a dog.

“Owners might think their home insurance liability covers them, but often there are specific exclusions for pets.”

According to market researcher, Defaqto, liability cover can be found in nine out of ten pet insurance policies. The liability cover provided is usually around £1m-£2m.

Only dog insurance policies need this liability cover because cat owners are not legally liable for injuries caused by their cats.