From destroying water beds to letting wild animals in, a new survey has revealed that pets have inflicted the most horrific plagues on their owners.
The survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners revealed their most surprising encounters with their furry friends, asked professionals (pet parents of more than five years) about parenting methods, and looked ahead to the years 2022 to 2024. When comparing statistics, attention was paid to the finances of pets.
Two-thirds of pet owners (66%) said their furballs have been naughty and most (58%) reported their pet’s condition had gotten worse in the past week.
commission by the digital insurance company, lemonadeAnd conducted by Talker Research, the research also found that a quarter of pet parents (23%) reported that their pet has been stuck in a puzzle in the last day or so.
However, only 36% of experienced “pet professionals” have observed a disturbance from their pet in the past few days, which highlights their pet expertise, in contrast to more than half of new pet owners (54%) who have experienced a pet mess. Have experienced the devastation of. past few days.
Pet parents told stories of stolen dentures, hearing aids and even a Thanksgiving turkey. They reported that their pets have brought live pigeons, possums, snakes, bats and rabbits into their homes.
One respondent even said that their pet “ate a laptop, a Bible, two chargers, and a pillow because we left him home alone for 30 minutes.”
In light of such mischievous behavior, 16% said their pet had been involved in an accident that required a visit to the vet in the past two years. Perhaps new, given the demographic differences in pet ownership, it reached 28% of Gen Z and 21% of millennial pet owners.
For those emergency veterinarian visits, pet owners paid an average of $210 out of pocket – a quarter (25%) spent more than $300 and 10% spent more than $500.
Fortunately, more than half (54%) of respondents had insurance to help cover at least part of the bill, while 31% said their vet bill was completely covered.
Gen Z proved to be the most prepared, with nearly three-quarters (74%) having insurance that helped pay at least part of the bill.
“Most pet owners consider their pets family, doing whatever it takes to keep them safe and healthy. However, this can also include those unexpected moments when our pets become a little too curious,” said Dr. Stephanie Liff, Lemonade’s veterinary health expert. “Planning ahead with pet savings or insurance can be a game-changer, and sometimes even a life-saver, during these moments, and can also help with the costs associated with regular vet visits. Can.”
Becoming a pet parent is no easy task. Most respondents said they felt guilty about leaving their pets at home when going to work (30%), with 43% of Gen Z people especially feeling this guilt.
Concern about their pet’s health and well-being (30%) and fear that their pet will be hurt by other animals when outside (23%) also top the list of respondents’ concerns during the first few years of pet ownership. Appeared as a concern.
In addition to overcoming difficult times, pet parenting professionals told new pet owners they can learn more by researching useful information from experts (25%), seeking advice from other pet parents (23%) and consulting their veterinarian. Trust your sources by contacting (21%). ,
A fifth (19%) also suggested starting to budget and saving more for their furry friend’s needs.
Taking a closer look at pet finances, there have been changes in spending and budgeting compared to 2022 – pet parents are spending less, saving and budgeting, but not falling into debt or overspending. The possibility of doing so is also less.
On average, pet owners spent $121 per month on their pets in 2024 — a huge drop from 2022 when they spent $276 per month.
Pet spending also decreased with age, according to the results, as Gen Z spent an average of $178 per month in 2024 compared to Millennials ($146), Gen X ($115), and Baby Boomers ($90). ) reported spending more.
Savings for pets are gone There has been a dramatic decline this year. In 2022, 44% said they had a savings account for their pet, while only 10% said the same in 2024.
As far as budgets go, more than half (52%) of respondents in 2022 said they have a set budget for their pet, while only 32% of respondents in 2024 agreed.
In 2022 Millennials led the way with more than half (57%) having a set budget (compared to 47% of Gen Z) – in 2024 the lead went to Gen Z, with 48% having a set budget (38 % compared to Millennials).
But almost all (95%) pet parents have gone over their pet budget this year. Only 5% of pet parents reported that they never spend more than their budget, while 16% said they always overspend.
However, this is an improvement from a 2022 study that showed that almost twice as many respondents (30%) had always spent more on their pets.
Despite savings and budgeting efforts, 23% of respondents are projected to go into debt to pay for their pet’s emergency needs in 2024. Although not ideal, this is a positive decline from the 42% who said they would be in debt in 2022.
And while Gen Z respondents spent the most per month on their pets this year, compared to other demographics, they were the most likely to have insurance and the least likely to get stuck in pet debt.
Dr. Liff said, “Pet parents may be more cautious about their spending and more apt to save these days, but what we’re seeing in the data is that they’re We are also becoming more responsible towards it.” “Whether it’s a specific diet or insurance needs, prioritizing these more expensive items over a pet’s well-being will definitely pay off.”
2024 Survey Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 1,000 cat owners and 1,000 dog owners; The survey was launched by Lemonade and administered by Talker Research and conducted online between October 22 and October 28, 2024.
