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Jodie Prenger Comments on Britain's Nation of Pet Lovers

New research reveals just how much Britons love their pets, with cat and dog owners admitting they would rather spend time with their pet rather than their family and friends
Celebrities, Home - 23 September 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

New research reveals that nearly half of cat and dog owners feel that their pet understands them more than their family and friends, with 1 in 10 admitting they prefer to spend time with their pet rather than their loved ones and a third believing their pet is more loyal.

44% admit they ask their pet how they are when they’ve returned home from work and 56% say goodbye to their pet when they leave the house. 6% of owners have given their pet a seat at the family dinner table, 7% have given their pet its own room and 5% have included their pet in their will.

39% of owners consider their pet’s health to be as important as their own and 17% have self-diagnosed their pet from talking to friends and looking on the internet, yet 12% admit to never worming their pet.

. Introduction:

New research reveals just how much Britons love their pets, with many cat and dog owners admitting they prefer the company of their beloved pet over spending time with their family and friends. We are taking more and more pride in our pets and as such, many of our four-legged friends are earning themselves seats at the family dinner table as well as having their own rooms and being included in their owner’s will. Yet despite over a third of owners considering their pet’s health to be as important as their own, 12% say they never worm their pet.

So, if healthy pets are happy pets why aren’t more of us taking care when it comes to our pet’s health?

Joining us to discuss this further is Jodie Prenger, a judge on the panel of Drontal’s My Pet Superstar 2010 – a nationwide search for Britain’s Top Dog and Top Cat.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about pets and their owners in our area?

Why do Brits take such pride in their pets?

What benefits do pets bring to their owner’s lives?

Why is pet health so important?

What is the My Pet Superstar competition and how can pet owners get involved?

Where can we find out more information?