The latest news from the pet insurance industry is that there may be a risk of owners actually cutting back on insurance policies as a way of combating the current recession.  However, a leading insurer has revealed that choosing not to compare pet insurance could end up being a serious false economy.

Speaking on behalf of NFU Mutual, their Insurance Underwriter Justine Simms-Gold stated that ‘Veterinary treatment continues to be an area of high claims, both in terms of numbers and costs. With that in mind, any money an owner may save by cancelling or failing to renew a policy could prove to be a false economy when compared to the expense of meeting bills for serious conditions or accidents’.

In the pet insurance area, there is usually a fairly significant increase in injuries as a result of dogs slipping on the ice and injuring themselves.  With the average fee for such incidents totaling as much as £2,000, going without a pet insurance policy that could cost as little as £50 seems like a bad move by Britain’s many dog owners.

For more of the latest news on pet insurance, visit Simply Pet Insurance now by clicking the link here.

Make sure that your kids are gentle when first meeting their dog, approaching him or her slowly, and not being too over-zealous, as this could lead to your kids intimidating the pet.  If they’re slow and take the time to build up, they’ll soon be getting along ok.

Ensure that your kids aren’t too rough.  Yes, one of the greatest things about having a dog is the potential for play-fighting, but that takes time.  Try and make sure that it is your pet who begins being playful: this shows that they’re comfortable doing so.  Once they are, then you can let your kids have fun!

It’s important that when playing, your kids don’t do so in a teasing way: make sure that they play productive games: teaching your dog new tricks and playing games that improve their fitness such as ball playing are great, and will keep both your kids and the dog in shape!

If your dog gets injured for one reason or another, make sure that your kids are once again very respectful and gentle with him, as injured dogs are more likely to be a bit more aggressive: just like humans!

For more information on pet care tips, visit Simply Pet Insurance now by clicking the link here.

1.     Ensure that you play with your pets at least once a day.  Dogs love attention!  Spending time with them will ensure that they’re always happy and fulfilled: and it’s a lot of fun as well!

2.     Ensure that your dog has his complete set of medical shots.  Certain shots are required by law, and others are just a great idea because they will ensure that your dog remains healthy, and health means happiness!

3.     Walk your dog at least once a day.  Not only is walking your dog a great bonding session for the both of you, it’s important to make sure that your dog gets regular exercise to keep him or her healthy.

4.     Spoil your dog.  It’s not just you that loves to have new things, you know!  Bringing toys and chews for your dog every now and then will keep them happy and entertained, which will mean they’re a lot friendlier and pleasant to be around.

5.     Enjoy having a dog!  This might sounds obvious, but it’s amazing just how many pet owners seem to treat the daily tasks as chores rather than something to be enjoyed.  If you’re off for a walk with your dog, enjoy yourself and treasure the time you have with them: it’ll make all the difference to both your and their happiness!

For more information on pets and pet care, visit Simply Pet Insurance now by clicking the link here.

Speaking on behalf of the Dog’s Trust, their vetinary director Mr Chris Laurence has stated that it is advisable for most domestic animals to be kept indoors on November 4^th as opposed to being let out.

Mr Laurence revealed that the loud bangs and excessive light from fireworks could cause our pets some legitimate anguish and fright.

The trust’s advice was to allow your pet to ‘go somewhere where it feels less threatened’, giving the example that ‘a cat might go and sit in it’s double bed’ or ‘a dog would go and lie on it’s own bed.

Whilst many pet owners have noted that it would be possible for a vet to prescribe drugs that would calm pets down, Mr Laurence noted that this should only be used in extreme circumstances, and that pet owners should not automatically use this potential situation as the standard.

This latest advice came hot on the heels of the recent research published by the trust that over 40% of the respondents surveyed would like fireworks banned because they can be so distressing to animals.

For more news on pets and pet care, as well as the latest advice, visit Simply Pet Insurance now by clicking the link here.

What’s even more shocking is that Cassie was not taken from the front garden or in a park, but from outside a local shop.  Between the hours of 10.00 and 10.03, the dog’s owner had entered Smart Clothing having tied Cassie outside.  When she returned, the puppy was nowhere to be seen.

Christine Waering, the owner who lives in Curwen Street, Ribbleton stated that ‘You don’t expect a dog to go missing just like that’ adding that ‘One minute we had her and the next minute she was gone.’

There is one upside to the situation. Cassie – who has white paws and a brown brindle coat – has been recently microchipped, which may lead to the police or any local vets being able to eventually re-united her with her family, as the chip contains names and address details for the Waerings.

When asked for their advice on this situation, Thames Valley police simply stated that they strongly advised against leaving animals tied up outside any shops or other buildings, and also against leaving them unattended in vehicles.

For more information on pet insurance, visit Simply Pet Insurance here.

Always ensure that you’re still lavishing attention on your original pets.  Pets love to feel loved, so make sure that you give as much attention to the originals as you do to your new pets, otherwise your older ones could feel left out.

Don’t force your pets together.  Always introduce your old and new pets in controlled situations so that they can get used to each other gradually and adjust at their own pace.  When they’re feeling more confident then let them face their new housemates for longer periods.

Keep their feeding places separate.  The feeding area is one of the most territorial amongst animals, and it’s likely that they will begrudge having to share.  Always use separate food and water bowls for different animals, and make sure that whilst eating your pets are kept separate.

Always keep your pets under supervision until you are absolutely sure they get along OK.  The amount of time this takes will vary hugely: it could be anything from a week to two months.  However, never rush this – if two pets who don’t get along are forced to co-exist, things can turn violent.

For more information on pet care and pet insurance, visit Simply Pet Insurance now by clicking the link here.

Don’t leave your pet unattended outside.  Because of people playing pranks on animals (especially animals with Halloween links such as black cats) it is dangerous to leave them unprotected.

Whilst you might love those Halloween treats, don’t share them with your pets!  Not only are certain pets incapable of digesting chocolate and sweets, but the sticks and wrappers can lead to a choking hazard.

If you have any pumpkins in the house, keep them well out of reach of your pets, as they can be easily knocked over, and this has the potential to cause a fire hazard as well as injuring your pet.

Yes, a lot of people love being creative, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your pets will enjoy being dressed up.  If you absolutely have to put a costume on your pet, ensure that the get-up doesn’t interfere in the slightest with your pet’s ability to see, breathe, hear, move or bark.

Try and keep your pet in a separate room, away from the door.  This will not only prevent them from getting a nasty fright from some strangely dressed visitors, but will also mean that they are unable to sneak out of the door when it’s opened.

For more information on pet care and pet insurance visit Simply Pet Insurance now.

-The smaller the dog, the more vulnerable to the weather they are.  Smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas and minature Daschunds are especially susceptible, and should barely be allowed outside at all.  If they need to be exercised, ensure that they are wrapped up warm and aren’t let out for long periods.

-Ensure that your dog is fitted with boots in excessively cold weather.  If they’re consistently lifting up their paws, whining or frequently stopping on their walks, then you’ll know that their feet are uncomfortably cold, and they’ll need to begin wearing boots as early as possible.

-Ensure that you’re always making sure to trim the hair around your dog’s feet, as this is where iceballs can form on dogs with long hair.  They tend to appear between the pads and the toes of the feet, and are very painful to walk on: it’s the human equivalent of walking on rocks.

-A good way of keeping your dog’s feet healthy is to apply a small amount of Vaseline or cooking oil to the base of their paws to ensure that they avoid becoming stuck to the ground.  Ensure that whatever you use, though, is safe to consume, as most dogs will lick at their paws.

-If you have to walk your dog on any salted roads, make sure that you wash his paws afterwards, as salt can highly irritate a dog’s pads.  As well as this, make sure that you gently rub his pads as soon as you’re off the roads.

-Finally, cut back on what you’re feeding your dog during the winter months.  Because of the weather, dogs are naturally less active in this weather, so feeding them the same amount of calories that they consume during a full exercise programme.

For more information on pet care, visit Simply Pet Insurance now by click the link here.

When you first decide to bring a dog into your life, the responsibility of caring for this animal can be an intimidating thing.  However, having a pet can be fulfilling and fun, so we’ve come up with some hints and tips that should help you get the basics right when caring for your new friend:

Diet.  This is one of the main priorities when caring for a dog: always make sure that you’re feeding it a balanced, controlled diet.  This will make a big difference to the dog’s general health, and of course it’s lifespan!  Most dogfoods available in supermarkets are made to offer a nutritionally balanced meal, so it will be easy enough to enforce the healthy lifestyle.

Cleanliness.  Bathing your dog regularly is a very important part of caring for them: the general rule is that once a month will normally be sufficient to enable your dog to keep safely clean.  It is very important that you don’t overdo the bathing, however, as this can lead to very dry skin and potential infections.  As long as you stick to the general rule, you should be fine.

Physical inspections.  Not as intimidating as it sounds, this is simply a matter of taking the time once a month to make sure that your dog hasn’t picked up any injuries.  Check the pads of his paws, to ensure that he hasn’t gained any scratches or cuts.  Also check your dog’s mouth to ensure that there aren’t any ulcers or other signs of illness.  If there are, then check with a vet immediately as it could be a sign of something more serious.

Exercise.  Making sure that your dog gets enough exercise is absolutely essential to ensuring their health.  The good news is that there’s a huge variety of exercises you can do with them!  Whether it’s playing with a football, running, play-fighting or simply a nice walk, dogs love to run around and have fun!

Spend time with them!  You’ve got a dog because you want a loving pet, and a faithful companion.  So why be like many others and keep them in the out-house?  Dogs love company, so take every opportunity to spend time with them, and they’ll always be happy.

Following the above tips will help you care for your new companion, and keep them healthy.  Good luck with your new dog, and remember: enjoy the hell out of your new pet!

-Changes in Appetite. If your pet is usually the type that scoffs down his meals in thirty seconds and then begs for more, then any lack of appetite over a longer than average period of time could mean that he or she has a serious stomach upset, and it may be worth getting them checked to ensure that they’re ok.

-Urination behaviour. If your pet is struggling or visibly straining to urinate, then they may well need to be checked, as issues with urination can be a symptom of various potential illnesses such as bladder issues, or a urinary blockage. If they are urinating too much, this can be a sign of problems with the animal’s liver or kidneys.

-Skin/hair problems. Be very cautious if your pet shows visible signs of hair loss: in animals this can be a sign of cancer, and will need to be checked immediately. If your pet is visibly itching, then this can also be an issue arising from parasites or worms.

-Weight loss. Excessive weight loss can often be a sign of parasites or worms, so it is wise to consistently check your pet’s stool for any sign of tapeworms. It is worth consulting a vet either way, though, as the weight loss could still be as a result of a digestive problem.

-A change in breathing. If your pet is suffering from any form of unusual breathing patterns , or shallow breathing, then immediately seek help. This could potentially mean that your pet has problems with his respiratory system, which could lead to danger for him.

Always remember that it’s better to have something checked out that turns out to be nothing, than to ignore something serious! Use these symptom guides, and you should become of any problem with your pet as soon as possible, increasing the chances of effective treatment.

This latest revelation is the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth, and what an impact this can have on the health of your canine companions. As this is predominantly considered a ‘human’ habit, many people will often jump to the conclusion that it isn’t really applicable to animals. However, brushing your dog’s teeth should actually be as natural as your standard puppy vaccinations and other varieties of parasite control.

The reasons are similar to that of why tooth-brushing is important for humans: recent research has shown that the same bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay and gum disease is capable of being released into the bloodstream, where it can potentially lead to blood clots. With animals suffering far more from periodental diseases than humans, the risk in this area is actually far more.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you should break out your own colgate and oral-b electric: any decent pet store will stock a variety of teeth cleaning materials that are specially suited to animals – long handled toothbrushes that improve access to the back recesses of your dogs mouth, as well as swallow-able toothpaste that is ready available in a variety of dog-suited flavours such as chicken and beef (I know, sounds lovely right? Your dog will love them, though).

Another great thing to consider is that across the UK, 100 vet practises are currently offering free dental checkups, as part of September’s ‘Pet Smile Month’.

So you’re an expert in finding an insurance company with great internal policies, but what about the pet insurance policy you’re paying for?

There are a number of things which affect the type of policy you choose, such as the breed and general health of your pet, as well as your budget.

Types of Pet Insurance

Generally speaking, pet insurance comes in three types:

• Lifetime Pet Insurance Policy

Arguably the best type of policy, if you keep up the annual repayments on your pet insurance policy your pet will be covered for life, and subsequently cover the cost of any new injuries or health issues.

• Monetary Cap Pet Insurance Policy

As the name suggests, this mid-level policy offers a cap on the amount payable per condition. For example, if the company states a cap of £3,000 per condition, once that limit is met the cover for that particular condition expires. This is especially popular amongst cat owners, whose finery bills are generally cheaper than that of dogs.

• Time-limited Pet Insurance Policy

The time-limited style of pet insurance typically covers any injury or illness your pet suffers from, for up to 12-months from the moment of first diagnosis.

Naturally there are variations in the interpretation of these three styles of policies, but they almost always take on one form or the other. Get into the habit of note taking. Many people like to sketch a quick table detailing the cost, and terms of the pet insurance policies on offer.

When to Buy Pet Insurance

Of course, when it comes to buying the right type of policy, it helps to be honest. Trying to dupe an insurance company on the eve of a large vet bill is probably not going to work out well for you.

It is advisable to take out pet insurance cover as early as possible, and while your pet is still healthy. The main reason for this is fairly obvious, insurance companies will not cover any existing illnesses.

This is also a good reason to do the legwork early. If you can find the right insurer for you and your pet, thus avoid moving from one insurer to the next, you can ensure you are reasonably covered throughout the life of your four-legged friend.

For example, if you insure your dog with John’s Pet Insurance company in the first year, and he develops arthritis, then John’s Pet Insurance will cover him within the terms of your policy. Whereas, moving to the cheaper policy offered by Penny’s Pet Insurance will prove difficult, as it is unlikely that they will cover your dog’s existing arthritis condition.

Who and what is covered?

Of course, pet insurance doesn’t suit every kind of pet. Foe example, dogs registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act cannot be insured, and working dogs, guard dogs and racing dogs are also difficult to find appropriate cover for.

Aside from this, you should realise that pet insurance doesn’t provide a cure-all for every cost associated with your pet’s health.

For instance, it is unusual for spaying and neutering to be covered under any style of policy, meanwhile vaccinations, boosters and grooming procedures such as trimming and clipping will not usually be covered, so consider this as an extra cost and something to budget for.

Getting Cheaper Pet Insurance

One of the most common factors causing the cost of pet insurance to fluctuate, is the size of the excess.

This is a fixed fee which you will agree to pay towards a new claim. It’s mainly used as a deterrent to erroneous claims. The typical level of excess is in the region of £80 – £100, and often there’s an option to add what is known as voluntary excess which can bring the price of your premium down considerably.

If you’re hoping to insure pets of different ages, don’t be surprised to see different levels of excess. It’s normal for pet insurance companies to vary the level of excess depending on various factors including your postcode, and the age of your pets.

Also be aware that any treatments that cost under the minimum excess, will need to be covered by yourself.

What else can pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance is rightfully popular, and it’s not only in place for times of ill health. Many pet insurance companies now cover you for a range of pet-related costs. Typical inclusions would be a reward offered for the safe return of a lost pet, and quite often the funeral costs.

Others may give you access to specialist help lines, and open up a range of discounts with selected retailers. Above all, there will always be small temptations to choose one insurer above another. It’s a highly competitive market and this should be used to your advantage.

Ensure that you are purchasing the right pet insurance policy for your pet. Consider their age, and any current health issues and speak to other pet owners about their own experiences.

The primary reason for most pet owners taking out an insurance policy is to combat the rising cost of veterinary costs in the UK. Unless you have extraordinary circumstances, this should be your primary goal.

With this in mind, we invite you to share your experiences with Britain’s pet insurance companies and if you’re looking for a good pet insurance policy, consider comparing pet insurance policies from those companies who we endorse here at Simply Pet Insurance.

In this buying guide for pet insurance, we will be looking at the parallel reasons and options available to pet owners, looking for quality pet insurance. Note, we are not steering you towards buying cheap pet insurance.

Should I buy cheap pet insurance?

“Cheap” is perhaps the first lesson we should learn. Cheap pet insurance is often cheap for a reason. Many of the valuable policy features are excluded to bring down the overall risk of providing the policy, and making the overall cost of the insurance policy seem more attractive.

That’s not to say the cheapest of half a dozen carefully selected pet insurance policies isn’t the best. We’re merely saying that time should be spent considering the needs of your pet insurance policy; then uncovering the companies who can meet those needs, and making a decision from there.

In a word: do not just pick the six cheapest pet insurance companies, and then pick the cheapest policy of them all. Pick at least six pet insurance companies who can meet your needs, and then select a company which can meet your budget.

That’s your first lesson, and you’re about to discover more about the often intriguing world of pet insurance.

Look for the Experts

Of course, many of the companies offering pet insurance policies to British pet owners are not only offering pet insurance. For many, it’s the latest addition to a portfolio which already offers car insurance, buy-to-let insurance, life insurance and more.

Despite the low opinion of many consumers, most of Britain’s major insurance companies are reputable companies which have made a name for themselves in delivering good value insurance in other markets, and they’re using this experience to deliver the same to the pet market.

Now, if you haven’t noticed, we do provide links to the best pet insurance companies. We are affiliated, but please be 100% assured that none of our partners have ever — or will ever — cloud our judgement when creating any kind of editorial content for Simply Pet Insurance. We do endorse these companies, and we also recognise there may be others out there who provide equally as good pet insurance.

The second lesson we’re going to give you, is to look at a range of companies credentials. Do they have a good reputation? There are dozens of forums online, as well as more organic channels such as Facebook which can give you an insight into the public reputation of a particular company.

Test run Pet Insurers

Before signing any agreements, try and uncover any potential sticking points that other customers of this company have encountered. Ask around, and you will soon get a more balanced opinion of the pet insurance company, than the one which they would perhaps like to portray.

In relation to this, test out their web site for a key factor: how easy is it to contact them? It’s easy to find and pay for pet insurance online — and often cheaper — but when it comes to the crunch, you’re likely to want to speak to someone pronto.

Many people overlook this in the rush to score a quick pet insurance policy, however you should take a moment to picture yourself in the worst case scenario. How quickly can you get to speak to a real person, and get the service you’re paying your hard-earned money for?

Once you’ve got that contact number, dial it. Test out the system, because this is one of the key services you’re paying for. Are you sent from pillar to post? Do the operators appear to understand your needs? How much is that phone call costing? These are all factors which can make or break the value of a policy, should you ever need to put it into action.

In part two of our buying guide to pet insurance we’ll be further unravelling the mysteries of buying pet insurance. In the mean time, you’re welcome to ask any questions. We’re experts in the niche, and we’re more than happy to share our thoughts and opinions…

M&S Premier Pet Insurance has sent out the warning, amid fears of record claims for veterinary services in the UK. The British-owned company pays out up to £7,000 a year in veterinary fees and has become a firm favourite among consumers.

Common Complaints

It’s little surprise that many pet owners don’t realise that our pets can contract many of the same skin complaints as us — and like us, these complaints can’t usually be cured. With summer heating up, it’s up to pet owners to consider their pet’s common complaints and get the lowdown on who to talk to.

Skin allergies tend to rise with the increase in pollen, while the annual spawning of fleas adds to the problem facing British pet owners, however experts tell us that most allergies are simple to treat if seen early.

UK Pet Insurance Recommendation

One such service recommended by M&S Premier Pet Insurance is Vetfone™, a 24-hour advice line catering to UK pet owners. Vetfone Operations Manager, Louise O’Dwyer, said: “Allergies in pets can be incredibly frustrating for the owner. The most common allergies we see are those affecting the skin, with the most common symptom being itching. However the respiratory tract can also be affected, leading to wheezing, sneezing or coughing.

“Just like in humans there are also dietary allergies where the digestive system is affected sometimes resulting in the animal having diarrhoea or vomiting.”

Expert Advice for Pet Allergies

Experts are predicting a heated summer, and advice from across the board is to keep an eye out for early signs of allergies in your pets. Handle them often, and use bathing times to examine the most common areas for infection.

While buying good pet insurance will help some way towards the cost of treatment, it’s naturally much fairer to be proactive and look for preventative measures. Keep an eye on Simply Pet Insurance for the latest on the seasonal ailments affecting your pets.

Has your pet suffered from an allergy? What treatment did you choose? Our readers really value good, honest feedback from fellow pet-owners, would you consider sharing your experience with us?

It’s not often that a deal as sweet as this comes along, but there is method behind the madness. In 2009, Britain began to promote the so-called ‘staycations’, or the practise of holidaying at home. Animal experts were quick to realise the benefits for Britain’s animals, and not least our dogs.

Take your Dog on Holiday

The PDSA charity is best known for providing free veterinary care for the pets of people who need it, so it was no surprise when they announced they’d teamed up with national holiday rental company, cottages4you which offers Britain’s pet owners holiday accommodation in over 5,000 properties across the country.

Senior Veterinary Surgeon for PDSA, Sean Wensley, explains: “We want to encourage dog owners to holiday at home with their pets rather than take them to other countries. Owners are often unaware of the potential disease risks to their pets if they go abroad and many don’t realise that they need to prepare several months in advance to meet the requirements for a pet passport.

“Travelling and unfamiliar climates can also be very stressful for a pet. They will probably have a much better time if they join you for a break in this country.”

Why holiday in Britain?

Simply Pet Insurance believe the partnership is extremely positive. In this economic climate the cost of travelling overseas has seen a steady increase, especially with the coninual downfall of our currency. Britain has worked hard on its image in recent months, and we firmly believe it’s time British pet owners start to celebrate the greatness beyond their own front door.

For more information on PDSA and cottages4you visit www.pdsa.org.uk/cottages. By booking your holiday through the website, you acknowledge the great work being done by the charity with an inclusive 10% donation.

Are you taking your favourite pooch on holiday this year? Where will you be going? Overseas, or closer to home? Have the PDSA hit the right notes with this deal? Sharing your thoughts enables our readers to understand the mindset of British pet owners, please consider adding your point of view to the conversation.

The short answer, is yes. Many pets are able to live a meat-free lifestyle, often dictated by a vegetarian pet owner. However, a high level of care and consideration needs to be taken when introducing such dramatic changes.

Vital Nutrition for Cats and Dogs

Or are they really, dramatic changes? Experts believe dogs and cats need meat for their high levels of nutrition. One of the main gains for cats in meat-based pet food is the maintained levels of taurine, because a deficiency in this vital amino acid can lead to feline blindness and even death. On the flipside, there are a number of taurine supplements available on the market for cats, including popular chewy tablets.

It’s widely believed that it’s easier for our dogs to maintain a vegetarian diet than it is for cats. This stems from the fact that dogs in the wild live an omnivorous lifestyle (plants and meat), whereas wild cats almost always live an obligate carnivorous life (meat only).

The naysayers argue that it’s just not natural for our pets to live without meat, and that we shouldn’t be enforcing human-beliefs into the animal world. Meanwhile, supporters believe that the majority of pet food isn’t ‘natural’, and that processing removes much of the nutritional value of the meat content, before being boosted with supplements, which some believe can be easily used as a stand alone.

Vegetarian Pet Food

There are already a number of vegetarian pet food options freely available on the market (Ami, Benevo, Yarrah and Wackidog) and demand is on the rise. With many of the same ethical arguments about origin of ingredients and sustainable production methods being used against our own foodstuffs, now being squarely levelled at the pet food industry.

We’d like to remind readers that Simply Pet Insurance advises all pet owners to consult their local vet or animal expert about individual pets, before committing to any changes to their diet or medication.

While we fully believe that a vegetarian lifestyle is achievable we do remind readers that such decisions should not be taken lightly. Gather all the information, consult all the right people and move forward with an informed decision.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the issue of vegetarian dogs and cats? Do you believe the facts outweigh the ethics? Are you a vegetarian, and if so, would you consider a vegetarian diet for your dog or cat? Consider sharing your thoughts below.

The upshot of the move will create 230 new jobs within RSA, backed up by an expected £100 million in premium income (income from consumers buying pet insurance policies) in the first year.

Adrian Brown, Chief Executive of RSA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Tesco to provide pet insurance to all of their pet owners. By combining our expertise in underwriting, pricing and strong service delivery with Tesco’s brand and marketing ability, I am confident that this partnership will go from strength to strength.”

Tesco Bank is already the UK’s largest online pet insurer, with over 700,000 pets insured and this latest move can only mean good news for British pet owners; both RSA and Tesco have proven track records in offering consumers competitive packages, and some of the best pet insurance policies in the market. Tesco Pet Insurance customers will migrate to RSA over a 12-month period.

Benny Higgins, Chief Executive of Tesco Bank said: “We are currently the UK’s largest online pet insurer and have ambitious plans to further grow our pet insurance business to develop new products and services that meet our customers needs. RSA understands our customer-focused approach and has demonstrated that it has the capabilities to support and develop our pet proposition.”

This isn’t RSA’s only foray into the pet insurance market, they’re already the fourth largest providers of pet insurance, through their MORETH>N brand, which offers British pet owners, pet cat insurance, pet dog insurance or combined cat and dog pet insurance at competitive rates.

Are RSA spreading themselves too thin? Are Tesco flexing their might too much? We don’t think so. We see this as a positive move for pet owners, and the British economy as a whole.

Creating 230 jobs, and creating added competition in a relatively new marketplace is a good thing. We’ll be keeping you updated on the alliance over the course of the year, but what do you, the consumers think?

Britain’s best-loved agony aunt, Denise Robertson has confronted one of pet owners most feared subjects: death of a pet. In a loving show of support, the ITV This Morning stalwart spoke out amid reports that more and more people want to be buried with their pets.

“Pets come into our lives and become part of the family, which makes their death so difficult to accept,” says Denise, a devoted dog lover for over 30 years and owner of rescue dogs Max, Tess and Primmie.

“Having a lasting reminder of a pet can be a huge comfort and a way of keeping good memories alive. In some ways that loving companion is still alongside you every day.” Denise’s comforting words came at the time of release for some emotional findings during a recent survey by the UK’s leading veterinary charity and providers of great value pet insurance, PDSA.

In a remarkably survey, PDSA questioned 472 pet owners and former pet owners about the way they would prefer to immortalise their deceased pets.

Of those surveyed: 27% said they planted a rose bush in the garden usually on their pet’s favourite sleeping spot; 15% displayed a photograph of the animal in pride of place in their home; and 12% said a plaque or headstone bearing a personal inscription was the way they wanted their pet to be remembered.

Others preferred to keep the pet’s ashes in an urn on the hearth or in their pet’s bed. Private family services to commemorate their pets are also popular, although there seems to be no limit to a pet owner’s imagination.

In response to the findings, the PDSA has created a paw-shaped garden where up to 2,000 personalised tribute tags can be displayed in the Paws Forever Pet Tribute Garden in Ilford, London and personal tributes can be viewed on-line via the PDSA website.

Gill White, who manages requests for the Paws Forever Pet Tribute Tags, says the survey revealed the profound feelings people have for their pets: “Losing a pet can be as heartbreaking as losing a friend or relative. It’s no surprise that the way they choose to remember that animal is so special.”

After completing the free registration at MyPetBook.co.uk, you’re encouraged to get involved with the community and to share advice, pictures and any other animal miscellany with users around the globe. In return, the editorial team are promising to link to informative articles, offer veterinarian tips, provide an animal product market and detail upcoming animal events in your area.

Founding editor, Rachel Benneworth is excited by the long-awaited launch: “Mypetbook will allow anyone passionate about pets and animals to spend fun and constructive time on the site, sharing their photos and knowledge on every related topic from health to events, and to learn from new friends as well as the experts.”

The website will not discriminate against non-pet owners, encouraging those without a pet to register a wild animal in order to use the site and start learning more about the animal world as a whole.

Mypetbook is aware of its audience, and the passion they hold for animals. Benneworth promises: “All the latest in the animal world, from Tigers in Asia to Vet check-ups for your pets.”

We certainly believe the site has potential, and properly managed the future of Mypetbook.co.uk is sure to find a place in Britain’s hearts.

Is Mypetbook.co.uk filling a gap in the online pet market? How will you be using the site?

With the recent economic downturn, there has been a worthy increase in the number of Briton’s turning to sustainable living methods. Over a million Briton’s now actively grow their own fruit and vegetables, and many are expanding their lots to include the affable chicken, and it appears to be a shrewd move.

Britain consumes a staggering 30 million eggs per day, and a dozen free-range eggs typically costs approximately £3.00 in a British supermarket.

Some home insurance policies do cover damage caused by the birds to third-party property, but if you’re a victim of theft, or your chickens become sick then you won’t be insured for any costs incurred and this has chicken owners across the country pecking around for a pet insurance policy, which seemingly doesn’t exist.

Are you a smallholder? What’s your experience of British insurance companies attitude towards insuring your livestock?