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Pet insurers have 'mixed views' on breed health risks
Jack Russell
Some pet insurers quoted three, four or even five times more to insure particular breeds.
Survey reveals wide variation in insurance premiums

Pet insurance companies often have very different views on the potential health risks for each dog breed, according to a new survey by the Pet Insurance Guide.

Quotes were obtained from 16 leading pet insurance companies in September of this year. The survey explored the cost of insuring the 50 most popular pedigrees and mixed breeds.

The findings reveal mixed opinions on the health risks posed by each breed.

Some companies had a fairly flat pricing structure with a price difference of just a few pounds between premiums for each breed. Others companies, however, can charge three, four or even five times as much for some breeds as others.

One company quoted similar premiums for border collies and Jack Russell terriers, yet another wanted twice as much to insure a border collie, compared to a Jack Russell.

Overall, the survey found Jack Russells are the least expensive dog breed to insure, while dogue de bordeaux were the most expensive.

While it is often cheaper to insure crossbreed dogs, the survey shows that this is not always the case. For example, the average cost to insure a Jack Russell was less than that to insure a small mixed breed dog. And the average premium for a large mixed breed dog was about the same as the premium for a Labrador retriever.

Founder of the Pet Insurance Guide, Sally Hayward, warned that pet owners may end up paying far more than expected if they do not do their research.

“The survey results show that pet insurance companies also have different views of the risk posed by each breed of dog and adjust their premiums accordingly," she explained.

“This may mean that if pet owners do not take the time to research this complex market thoroughly before making their choice, they may not only find themselves without the vital cover they really need,  but may also potentially be paying hundreds of pounds more each year than they need to."

For the full survey findings, visit: http://www.pet-insurance-guide.co.uk/blog/pet-insurance-dog-breeds-premium-survey/

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with 15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.