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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.