One in ten looked to get new pet during lockdown

People believed getting a pet would soothe their anxiety during the pandemic.

When asked why they were thinking about getting a pet, nearly a third were influenced by the prospect of being stuck at home due to the lockdown and nearly a fifth thought a pet would soothe their anxiety about the pandemic. Additionally, over a third said that a pet would make them feel less lonely and a similar number wanted a pet to encourage them to increase their daily exercise.

However, more than 20 per cent of those admit they are worried about their ability to afford a pet after the lockdown – a time in which many people have been feeling financial pressure.

More people began looking for pets before the restrictions came into place, according to the report from Comparethemarket.com, with nearly a fifth looking for pets in the run up to lockdown. Young people were particularly likely to look for a pet in the run up to lockdown, when nearly a fifth of 18 to 24 year olds adopted or considered adopting a cat and 23 per cent did the same for dogs.

Over a third of those who did get, or considered getting, a cat or dog said they came across pet related scams – including seeing adverts for pets which they believed to be fake. One in ten were caught out and either responded to an advert for a pet which they later found out to be fake or provided payment for a pet which never arrived.

Out of those who decided to adopt or purchase a pet, nearly a third paid the full amount online or in cash in advance of receiving the animal, potentially leaving themselves vulnerable to fraudsters who have been seeking to exploit the increase in people looking to purchase or adopt pets.

Nearly a third of those who considered adopting or purchasing a cat or dog did no prior background checks to ensure that the pet was from a legitimate breeder.

Most of those who brought home a new pet did so once the pet was above the age of eight weeks, however, 13 per cent of cats and dogs purchased or adopted in the run up to or during the lockdown were under eight weeks of age. Taking home such young animals goes against animal welfare guidelines and insurers could refuse to provide cover for pets of this age.

Mubina Pirmohamed, head of pet insurance at comparethemarket.com said: “The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to stress levels for many households across the UK, and a pet can be a great way to keep your family’s spirits high or to ease anxiety. However, we urge those looking to adopt or buy pets to be aware of scams and ensure they complete thorough background checks on those claiming to be selling animals online.

“It is also important to consider the long-term financial cost of owning a pet, especially in the current circumstances in which many families are feeling the financial squeeze. Looking after a dog’s basic needs can cost up to £13,000 over its lifetime. On top of this, if your pet gets sick, the average pet insurance claim will set you back by £750."

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