Petplan recently surveyed over 2,000 UK pet owners to understand how prepared they were to get their first pet. Petplan wanted to explore the nation’s pet-readiness, from budget and lifestyle changes to caring for our furry friends.
In the East Midlands, pet owners are financially savvy, budgeting £66 and spending £67 monthly on their pets. Prior to getting their pets, 65% of respondents researched their pet’s dietary needs, while 62% looked into training methods. Additionally, 59% of pet owners had discussions with family members or household members about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
However, many East Midlands pet owners wished they had considered certain aspects before getting their pets. 32% wish they had thought about the costs and managing pet care while away, 27% wish they had researched how to manage pet care around their daily routine, and another 27% wish they had considered how their lifestyle might change with a new pet.
While Glasgow and Plymouth are the most confident UK cities in their pet preparedness at 90%, 86% of East Midlands respondents felt prepared to own a pet.
Alongside the research, Petplan has released a PDF for first-time pet owners to download as a keepsake of their pet’s milestones, available at https://www.petplan.co.uk/pdf/petplans_furry_firsts_booklet.pdf.
Please see the survey findings here: https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/furry-firsts/