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Tax hike could lead to fewer insured pets, ABI warns
piggy bank
"Pet insurance is not a luxury - there is no NHS for pets and owning a pet can be expensive, especially if your pet requires medical treatment."
Chancellor urged not to increase Insurance Premium Tax

The government is being urged not to increase the Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) in this month's Budget, due to fears it could lead to fewer pet owners getting insurance for their pets.

IPT rose from 6 per cent to 9.5 per cent in November 2015 - a move which could already have cost pet owners an extra £31 million in higher premiums, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

"With only around one in four dog and one in five cat owners currently having pet cover, any further rise in the cost of insurance will not encourage more owners to insure their pet, and could risk some stopping their cover," warned ABI's policy advisor Ross Penstone-Smith.

The rise in IPT last November is expected to raise more than £8 billion in five years, ABI said in a statement. The trade association issued a plea to the chancellor not to view IPT as a 'soft touch tax' to raise revenue, as any increase puts further financial pressure on those who have done the right thing by getting insurance.

Animal charity the PDSA estimates the lifetime cost of owning a dog is £16,000-£31,000. For a cat the figure is £17,000, and for a rabbit, £9,000. But these sums do not include the cost of veterinary treatment if a pet suffers illness or injury.

Typically, the cost of treating a cat for injuries after a road traffic accident is around £875, according to ABI, while a dog with a damaged knee ligament could cost owners £1,200.

Mr Penstone-Smith added: "Pet insurance is not a luxury - there is no NHS for pets and owning a pet can be expensive, especially if your pet requires medical treatment."

 

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.