Dog owners planning a staycation this summer have been urged to have adequate pet insurance in place to help protect them financially in the event their canine companion causes property damage or injury whilst on holiday.

With limitations on foreign travel continuing, millions of Brits are expected to holiday closer to home this summer, offering the opportunity for their pooches to accompany them.

According to research commissioned by Tesco Bank, 21% of British dog owners took their dog on holiday somewhere in the UK during the past 12 months, with a holiday home (rented or owned) the most popular accommodation option among those who did (45%)

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic and there are now more than 12 million dogs in the UK.

Tesco Bank is calling on those dog owners who haven’t already done so to have pet insurance in place and give themselves peace of mind.

Tesco Bank Pet Insurance paid out almost £65,000,000 in pet insurance claims from March 2020 to February 2021, processing around £172,000 in claims a day. Most of these were for medical treatments, with common conditions including sickness, tumours and lameness. The average medical claim paid out between March 2020 to February 2021 was £727.50.

Pet insurance can also protect owners if their dog causes an injury or damages someone else’s property. Last year, Tesco Bank Pet Insurance processed a public liability claim worth more than £45,000 after a customer’s dog knocked over a claimant, causing a fractured wrist and another claim worth £2200 for damage caused to a vehicle when the customer’s dog ran into the road while off their lead.

Mark Airey, Commercial Director, Insurance at Tesco Bank said: “Dogs are part of more and more families and the prospect of being able to take them on holiday will be an appealing one for those planning a well-earned staycation this summer.

“However, even the best-behaved dog can cause accidental damage, particularly if they are in an unfamiliar environment, and we want to help our customers avoid the stress of an unexpected bill.

“Pet insurance offers cover against a range of events and it’s important that customers research and choose the policy that is right for them and their pet.”