mmembers of the family in all respects during the year, pets remain so even during the summer holidays. I am indeed more than 6 and a half million dog and cat owners who this year will go on holiday with their pet dog or cat. This is what emerges from the survey commissioned by Easy.it at the research institute EMG Different*. More than 1 in 2 dog owners (69%) and only 1 in 3 cat owners will travel with their pet. And less than 3 out of 10 with pet insurance.
6.5 million Italians leave on holiday with their dog or cat
Willing to spend more on accommodation in order to have more services for their four-legged friend (73%), the owners of dogs and cats on vacation will mostly reach a owned house (32%) or for rent (25%). But also accommodation facilities such as hotels, farmhouses, pet-friendly hotels and B&Bs, chosen by 3.2 million dog or cat owners (24%).
As for the means of transport, almost 9 owners out of 10, i.e. 11.8 million Italians, will travel by car. 10% will do it by planea percentage that rises to 14% in the case of travel with felines.
Dog in the car, the rules for traveling
In this regard, it must be said that some owners still transport the animal incorrectly. 4%, that is to say more than 270,000 Italians – reads the analysis – instead of using the devices provided for by law, will keep their 4-legged friend on their legs. In the case of the car, a particularly wrong move: it is in fact illegal and dangerous, both for the pet and for the passengers of the car. In addition, in the event of an accident, any pet insurance will not cover the injuries suffered.
(Remember that, according to the highway code, it is allowed to bring a pet in the car as long as it is kept in a cage or container. Or it is possible that it travels in the rear compartment of the car but separated by a net or a partition).
The insurance protects the pet only if it travels using the devices required by law
Pet insurance, 3 out of 10 owners have it
Still, only 29% of owners (nearly 5.5 million individuals) have taken out pet insurance. An increase compared to last year’s survey (20.4%), but still low. The percentage reaches 36% in the case of dogs while it drops to 17% for cats.
That many 1.3 million (7%) they don’t even know it exists This possibility. On the contrary, 14% said they intended to stipulate one in the future.
«The products available on the market differ according to the guarantees included, therefore the premiums vary, but the costs are contained in relation to the benefits», explains Andrea Ghizzoni, Managing Director Insurance of Facile.it. «For example for an insurance covering civil liability, the reimbursement of veterinary expenses and legal protection, rates start at around 11 euros per month and can go up to 27 euros for coverage with higher ceilings.
How to choose pet insurance
In addition to liability coverage against any damage caused to third parties and the reimbursement of expenses in the event of illness or injury, there are products that provide services specifically designed for holidayssuch as an operations center specialized intailor-made travel arrangements dog and cat, with support ranging from the search for the most suitable accommodation facility, to the beach or pet-friendly restaurants.
Some companies offer pet insurance that protects your four-legged friend in case of an accident with guilt. In fact, it is not protected by the owner’s motor liability policy. But, as anticipated, these covers are valid only if the animal is transported according to the rules of the Highway Code and, therefore, not on the legs.
Health, accidents, loss: what the policies cover
There are policies that offer homeowners a remote help in case of health problems. For example, through telephone veterinary assistance and advice or, also, by reporting specialized centers and clinics closest to the holiday destination.
In some cases, the company, in addition to reimbursement for any expenses incurred for examinations, treatments and surgery, also manages to deliver the necessary medicines to the home and reimburse the extra costs of accommodation incurred in the event the owner has to extend the stay due to the state of animal health.
Afraid that the animal will move away and get lost? Some products cover the cost of searching for a lost pet. Others provide a dedicated telephone line for collecting sighting reports.
Requirements for applying for pet insurance
In choosing the right pet insurance, «the advice is to pay particular attention to the information sheets and the exclusions» warns Ghizzoni. “Someone covers exclude certain breeds, which are considered dangerous. Furthermore, in order for the policy to be valid and to be able to intervene in case of need, the dog or cat must be equipped with a microchip (or tattoo), possess a health card and be regularly vaccinated ».
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