84/0417 May 2004
BRITS FIND COMFORT IN CANINE COMPANIONS
You may be forgiven for thinking that when the chips are down, most people would turn to their nearest and dearest, but latest research1 from Lloyds TSB Insurance reveals that more and more people are turning to their dogs.
Lloyds TSB Insurance found that four legged friends make the best companions for a majority of Brits, with a third (32 per cent) of the UK population saying that they would seek solace from their dog when they are feeling down or depressed compared to just 12 per cent who would phone a friend.
Thirty nine per cent said they would turn to their partner, yet only six per cent would turn to a member of their family whilst a further six per cent would raid the cupboards and find comfort in food. Those aged 45 - 54 are most likely (44 per cent) to turn to their dog in times of trial, even more so than their partners who only got 35 per cent of the vote. However, it appears that a dog is no longer simply a man’s best friend with 33 per cent of women getting support from their dog compared to 29 per cent of men.
Phil Loney, managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance, says: “Far from being just a cute pet, dogs are frequently replacing friends and family members as an all-important ‘shoulder to cry on’. Dogs are now very much ‘one of the family’, providing much needed emotional support for stressed out Brits, making it all the more crucial that dog owners protect their canine companions with adequate pet insurance.”
And the extent to which people turn to their dogs doesn’t stop there - more than two thirds of dog owners (71 per cent) talk to and share their thoughts with their dogs.
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BRITS FIND COMFORT IN CANINE COMPANIONS/…2
Those aged 45-54 are most likely to talk to their dog (79 per cent), however people just that little bit older, aged 55 and over are least likely to hold a conversation with their hound (66 per cent).
Dog mad Brits are more likely to be ruled by their hearts rather than their heads, even when it comes to deciding the type of dog they want. Forty one per cent admitted to choosing their pooch pal simply because it needed a home and, surprisingly, 15 per cent are influenced by a dog’s colour. The young are most susceptible to a cute pup with a fifth (21 per cent) of those aged 16 - 24 being won over by puppy dog eyes.
For more information on Lloyds TSB pet insurance* or a quote visit or telephone 0800 056 0114. Save 10 per cent off normal premiums when you buy online.
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Notes to editors:
- 1Research compiled by Tickbox.net. The survey was completed online by 824 people.
- *Lloyds TSB’s cat and dog policies are amongst the most competitive on the market. Cover includes:
- Cover for vet's fees of up to £3,000
- Up to £750 for emergency kennelling if you're in hospital
- Up to £3,000 for the cost of cancelling or cutting short your holiday if your pet requires life-saving surgery
- Up to £1,000 towards advertising and offering a reward if your pet is stolen or strays
- Up to £500 for the death of pet through accident or illness
- Subject to ‘terms and conditions’ we will cover cats aged between 8 weeks and under 11 years old, dogs aged between 8 weeks and under 9 years old.
- General Insurance advice is provided by Lloyds TSB Insurance Services Limited. Registered in England No. 968406. 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN. Members of the General Insurance Standards Council.
For more information:
Catherine Battershill/Amy Davies
Lloyds TSB press office