Bella, Buddy, and Max are some of the nation’s top pet names – as Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester emerge as the UK’s pet capitals

The new Post Office Pet Study found pet owners consider the most expensive breeds to be German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bulldogs.

Pet ownership is on the rise with the new study finding that 67 percent of the nation now owns a pet – with almost six in 10 (59 percent) saying that companionship is the main reason for getting one.

Dogs come out on top as the nation's favourite pets (42 percent) followed by cats (33 percent), fish (3 percent), rabbits (2 percent) and hamsters (1 percent). But cat fans will be relieved to discover there is one feline stronghold across the UK – with Norwich emerging as the city with higher cat than dog ownership (34 percent vs 33 percent).

The cities with the highest dog ownership are Liverpool (51 percent), Manchester (51 percent) and Belfast (47 percent).

When it comes to the cities which just love pets – Bristol emerges as the UK’s pet capital with 76 percent owning one, followed by Edinburgh (74 percent) and Manchester (72 percent).

Our love for pets is so strong that 65 percent say that owning one is as significant a milestone as having children¹ – with this proportion rising to 78 percent amongst millennials (25–34-year-olds)

As many as 59 percent say owning a pet has changed their lives², reflecting the deep emotional bond this generation shares with their pets.

Despite this, the new Post Office Pet Study found that the practical side of ownership doesn’t always match up to the emotional investment.

Although prospective owners are spending significant time researching their new pets—most (8 percent) reporting between 15 and 20 hours—many dedicate less time to securing pet insurance.

In fact, pet owners admitted to spending more time choosing a pet name than considering insurance options (27 percent).

With one in eight (12 percent) pet owners having no idea pet insurance existed before owning their pet³, and almost a third (30 percent) unaware that cost varies by the type of breed chosen⁴.

Given the chance to provide advice to future pet owners, 40 percent said they would advise them to “consider the lifestyle and time-commitment”, while over a third (35 percent) stressed the importance of factoring in unexpected costs.

It comes as, a third (31 percent) say the cost of caring for their pet is high⁵. The average Brit spends £34.27 on pet insurance monthly – Edinburgh’s pet owners spend £43.58 a month, with respondents in Belfast paying the least at £28.55.⁶

Paul Paddock, Director of Pricing and Protection, at Post Office said: “The rewards of pet ownership are huge – offering joy, comfort, and companionship.”

“It is worrying how many pet owners are unaware of the need to get pet insurance and how breed can impact cost. It can be extremely stressful being caught off guard by the costs of care – even common issues like accidental injuries, gastrointestinal problems, and skin conditions can lead to unexpected expenses. It is so important to get cover and check your policy for peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying quality time with your pet.”

“As a vet, I see firsthand the deep bond people share with their pets” comments Dr Sophie Biswas, Veterinary Surgeon based in Cornwall, “They bring joy, comfort, and a sense of companionship that enriches our lives. But as much as we love them, it's important to think ahead, ensuring they get the care they need when life throws a curveball. Being prepared for their future means making thoughtful decisions about their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to regular check-ups and unexpected health concerns”.

Top tips for keeping dogs healthy this winter:

As the winter draws on, Dr Biswas also shares her top tips for keeping your dogs safe and well for the colder months:

1. Take the weather seriously

“Just because they have fur to keep them warm, that doesn’t mean they are immune to the cold. This is often overlooked, so bear in mind that if you’re finding it cold, your pet might be. Consider turning up the heating a little if the energy bills will allow!”

2. Size does matter

“There’s no doubt that smaller breeds tend to feel the cold more than larger dogs, as they tend to lose heat much faster, so you may need to take extra measures to keep them warm, such as getting them a warm jacket to wear on walks.”

3. Consider the needs of older dogs

“Older dogs are often more prone to the cold than they used to be. Being less active means they can generate less heat to keep warm. Keep an eye out for whether your dog is displaying physical discomfort, such as stiff to rise or reluctance to go out and consult a vet on the best way to care for them."

4. Beware of the dark and dress appropriately

"With shorter daylight hours, we often have to walk in the dark over winter. Don't forget that safety comes first and to wear high-vis or use a torch if walking in the dark.

5. Keep Toxic food stashed away

"After the Christmas holidays and in the run up to easter, many households will have goodies around the house. Namely chocolate and raisins (mince pies, hot cross buns) are toxic to dogs and need to be carefully kept away from our pets. If your pet unfortunately ingests a toxic food, do not delay and call your vets right away."

6. Schedule regular check-ups with your vet

“At the start of the year is a good opportunity to get check-ups once or twice a year with a vet booked into your diary. This is a helpful way to detect any health issues early and prevent them becoming a problem.”

For more information on preparing for pet ownership and understanding pet insurance, visit Post Office Pet Insurance.

The top 10 breeds considered most expensive by Brits:

1. German Shepherd

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

3. Bulldog

4. Border Collie

5. Great Dane

6. Siberian Husky

7. St. Bernard

8. Australian Shepherd

9. Labrador Retriever

10. Belgian Shepherd

Britain’s top pet names:

1. Bella
2. Buddy
3. Max
4. Poppy
5. Rosie
6. Daisy
7. Luna
8. Bill/Billy
9. Sky
10. Buster

ENDS

The survey was conducted by Censuswide with 2,001 UK respondents, aged 16+, between 2nd and 4th December 2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.