Furry firsts

We wanted to explore the nation’s pet-readiness, from budget and lifestyle changes to caring for our furry friends.

What did we discover?

• Pet owners are doing well at counting every penny. On average, Brits budget (and spend) £69 a month on pets.
• Young pet owners are hungry to learn. 76% of Gen Z (18–24-year-olds) said they’d researched pet training, compared to 36% of Boomers (aged 55+).
• Rabbit owners have some regrets – 33% say they wish they’d considered how stressful it would be. And they have a bunny-shaped hole in their budget – they spend £82 a month on their precious pets.
• Londoners are the most likely (73%) to seek advice on pet training, while people in Wales are the least likely (45%).
  Glasgow and Plymouth are the most pet-prepared places in the UK. 90% of respondents from these cities agreed that they were sufficiently prepared to own a pet.

As the results show, UK pet owners are now cost-savvy, cautious cats who are generally budgeting well. The average Brit budgets £69 for pet expenses, and in reality, this is spot-on – £69 is the average monthly spend.

But the picture differed slightly depending on the pet:

• 42% of cat owners budgeted £1-50 a month, but in reality, 45% spent in this bracket.
• 32% of dog owners planned to spend £51-100, but in the end, 35% did so.
• On the other hand, 6% of rabbit owners budgeted £251 or more a month, but their wallets could breathe a sigh of relief, as just 42% of cat owners budgeted £1-50 a month, but in reality, 45% spent in this bracket.

Regionally, we found that Greater London has the highest average spend on pets – £91 a month, compared to £69 on average. Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the lowest monthly pet spend – £59.

Interestingly, the survey showed that younger people generally spend more on their pets than older adults.

• Gen Z (aged 18-24 in our study) – £87
• Millennials (aged 25-34) – £84
• Older millennials (aged 35-44) – £75
• Gen X (aged 45-54) – £63
• Boomers (aged 55+) – £48

In these belt-tightening times, it would be easy for young, inexperienced pet owners to become overwhelmed. But our survey suggests that millions of first-time pet parents are taking their financial responsibilities seriously.

We found that rabbit owners are the likeliest pet parents (74%) to get advice on training. Indeed, in these flopsy-turvy times, rabbit owners are the most likely group to reach out to animal welfare charities for feeding advice, according to the 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report.

There were differences across the UK. For instance, our survey revealed that pet owners in Greater London were the most likely (73%) to seek advice on pet training, while people in Wales were the least likely (45%).

We all have different lifestyles, whether we spend our days working from home, raising children or sailing round the Arctic. So of course, it’s important to think about how pet ownership fits into our personal routines.

For those with the travel bug, finding a pet-sitter is part of the juggle. Gen Z were the most likely (41%) of any age group to say they wish they’d considered how to manage the costs and care of their pet while they’re away from home.

Meanwhile rabbit owners were the most likely (33%) to say they wish they’d considered how stressful it would be, including dealing with behavioural issues. They were also the likeliest (26%) to say they wish they’d thought about the implications for where they live, work or travel.

There’s a first time for everything, and while Brits are largely confident about looking after their furry friends, there are plenty of challenges too.

Petplan’s vet expert, Brian Faulkner, FRCVS, says “preparing for pet parenthood is as essential as it is exciting. It is encouraging to see that British pet parents are taking the necessary steps to ensure they’re ready for the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership.

“From considering budgets to researching pet training, it’s evident that pet parents are committed to providing the best care for their furry companions.

“Amidst this wave of pet preparedness, it's important to also ensure the wellbeing of our beloved companions through comprehensive pet insurance. Petplan, a trusted provider in this realm, understands these needs.”

It’s important to understand your pet’s breeds and needs, so download our book of ‘firsts’ for puppy and kitten owners. It’s a handy keepsake to help you become the most pawsome (and clawsome) pet parent you can be.

And remember, even if your budgeting is bang-on, having no pet insurance in place can cost you more in the long run.