Pet owners prefer furry friends to human pals

British animal lovers would rather spend quality time with their pets at the end of a busy day than with their human pals, suggests the results of this year's Pet Census, a national survey carried out annually on behalf of The Blue Cross. 

The Blue Cross Pet Census shows that, close family aside, people are more likely to spend quality time with their pets than anyone else. One in ten people would even choose their pets over close family, while only 9% would rather spend time with friends and 8% with other family members. Dogs and cats are the number one pet of choice, owned by 39% of people in Great Britain.

Location, location...
According to the Pet Census, just under half of the population (49%) now owns a pet. While these results confirm the nation's love of animals, where we live seems to affect the extent to which we rely on our pets for company. Regional results show that 12% of Londoners and 15% of Scots prefer their pets rather than anyone else, although, interestingly, Londoners are also the least likely to own a pet. People in East Anglia are the least likely to turn to their pets for company. 

The findings reveal that people are spending more on their pets, with women spending more than men. This year's survey shows that, on average, owners spend £278 a year on their pets, which has risen by 20% since last year from £231. Women splurge an average of £275, men £282. Owners in the North, South East and Scotland spend the most on their pets, splashing out an average of £303, £297 and £293 a year, respectively. People in the East Midlands spend the least on their pets (£240).

Areas for concern?
However, despite the nation's love of pets, a third of owners admit to spending less than 30 minutes with their companions during the day and 69% of respondents do not have pet insurance. Pets living in Yorkshire are the most accident prone and are 5% more likely than the national average to sustain an injury. In spite of this, owners in this region are the least likely to have insured their pet against injury or ill health.

The Pet Census also highlights that pet owners do not know that it can take more than six months to apply for a pet passport. Only 15% of pet owners were in the know, with 61% unaware that they would need to apply for a pet passport now to ensure their pet joined them on holiday abroad next summer.

The Blue Cross Pet Census is an annual survey compiled by the charity as part of its ongoing work to understand the relationships people have with their pets. The data provides essential national and regional information including pet ownership trends, animal welfare issues and attitudes to pet ownership.