Pet Census reveal an alarming trend

The Blue Cross is appealing to pet owners to think twice before getting an exotic pet after the charity’s first national Pet Census has uncovered worrying trends in exotic pet ownership.

The census has revealed that almost half of all reptile owners said they have experienced unexpected problems, mostly dietary or skin-related, with their pets. This compares with only 25 per cent of pet owners generally. Reptile owners are also more likely to have problems fitting their new pets into their lifestyle, 31 per cent compared to an average of only 4 per cent.

The charity promotes the benefits of companion animal ownership but does not encourage the ownership of exotic pets as it believes many prospective owners do not have adequate knowledge to care properly for such animals.

Dick Voigt, director of veterinary services for The Blue Cross, said: “Pet ownership can be hugely rewarding, but we would urge anyone considering getting an exotic pet to think carefully. Reptiles require a level of care that the average pet owner is not be able to provide.”

Dick continues: “Pets provide unconditional love and companionship for many vulnerable people such as the elderly, homeless or those on benefits. These people are often more likely to face practical and financial obstacles to pet ownership and since the opening of its first animal hospital in 1906, The Blue Cross has provided veterinary care for the pets of such owners.”                          

Other results indicate that pet obesity causes the most health concerns for companion animal owners. Those least likely to encounter problems of any kind are hamster and guinea pig owners.                                                                                  

The Blue Cross Pet Census 2005 is the first national survey of its kind compiled by the charity and is part of its ongoing work in understanding the human-animal bond. It provides essential information on a national and regional level on issues including ownership trends, pet health, owner opinion and the relationship between pets and their people.

Other Pet Census results include:

• the danger of a pet suffering an injury decreases with an increase in the age of the owner
• dog owners are more likely to have problems with their pets’ behaviour, 12 per cent compared with an average of only 5 per cent
• the chance of owning a cat increases with social status
• dog ownership is most popular in Wales, with just under a third questioned owning dogs
• equine ownership is most popular in the North
• 91 per cent of strays are cats
• Staffordshire bull terriers are the most popular dogs in London
• the majority of pets are given human names
• The majority of pedigree dogs come from breeders, excluding Staffordshire bull terriers, which are passed on by friends and family

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

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