Pet Love Helps Us Navigate COVID

There’s nothing better than turning to someone for a warm hug when you’re feeling down, right? Well, that’s what we’ve been doing with our pets to help us get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking on board all the pet love we can.

Research PD Insurance completed recently of 1,000+ New Zealand pet owners revealed that around one in every eight of today’s pet parents adopted a pet due to COVID-19.

Almost half got them from a rescue centre or shelter and one third from a breeder (yikes, no wonder the wait lists are so long). The rest were strays or inherited from someone else.

And – unsurprisingly to anyone who has a pet – three quarters of our respondents said their pet had helped them navigate this crazy time. Fur babies for the win!

A helping paw through tough times

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our pets have helped us in ways that include:

• Inspiring regular or increased exercise
• Supporting and improving mental health
• Giving comfort and a calming presence
• Making homes less stifling
• Even helping our children fight less while stuck at home

As our PD Insurance Head of New Zealand Operations, Michelle Le Long, says, “Animals have played a huge role in helping us successfully navigate these unprecedented times.”

“Cats, dogs and other pets are so much more than playthings. They’ve been shown to provide support for those with mental health challenges, help with post-traumatic stress disorder, and reduce stress and anxiety. The pandemic’s effects have proven stressful for many of us, and we’ve instinctively sought out support from animals.”

Health care costs the flipside of pet love

One not so small part of pet love is paying for its health care costs, and these are a concern for many a pet owner. An unavoidable con to the so many pros of being a pet parent.

Unfortunately, more than half our respondents either can’t or aren’t sure if they can afford a $1000+ vet bill. That’s pretty concerning when you consider one in five of them who have/have had insurance say they’d claimed $2,500 or more from their pet insurer in just one year.

Pet parents, please know that sooner or later your pet will need medical attention. At that point the last thing you want to worry about is making a head vs heart decision around giving them the care they deserve.

Why not take a couple of minutes to get an online cat insurance or dog insurance quote. You might be surprised how simple and affordable it can be.