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Britain's Largest Pet Census Reveals Pets Play Their Part in Big Society

To coincide with the National Census, this week sees the launch of the biggest ever Pet Census, which has revealed just how much Brits love their furry friends.
Leisure, Lifestyle - 22 March 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr. Deborah L. Wells and Alison Andrew| Login to Download

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There are currently over 24 million pets in the UK, which is double the number of pensioners, and this year’s Pet Census has revealed just how much Brits love their pets. 74% of pet owners spend more than £500 on their pets each year and the majority of pet owners see spoiling their pets with treats as ‘normal’ behaviour.

Over half of Brits (54%) would include a pet in their will, almost a third (32%) admit to buying treats and gifts more often for their pets than their partner and 65% feel their pet is more reliable than their spouse. Pets are such a huge part of the British family that 37% of pet owners have admitted to mixing up their pet names with the names of their partner or children.

Moreover it’s not just our own pets we adore. Two thirds of pet owners admit they would take in a stray if it appeared in their garden and over half (54%) would also discipline and take responsibility for another person’s pet.

. Introduction:

As a nation of animal lovers and with the National Census being completed this Sunday (27th March), this week sees the launch of the biggest ever Pet Census which reveals that pets may actually play their part in a ‘big society’. There are currently over 24 million pets in the UK - double the number of pensioners – and as a nation, the majority of us feel a huge sense of compassion towards our pets. Over half of pet owners even admit to including a pet in their will. However it is not just our own pets we are concerned about as two thirds of pet owners would take in a stray if it appeared in their garden.

So why are we so ‘cens-itive’ when it comes to our pets?

Joining us to discuss this further is Alison Andrew from Petplan and Dr. Deborah L. Wells, a Psychologist.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about pets in our area?

What role do pets play in our lives?

Why do pets play such an enormous role in our lives?

Why do we feel such compassion towards animals?

How can we make sure we to look after our pets as best we can?

Where can we find out more information?