Pet insurance 'a must for animal lovers'

Animal lovers have been advised of the need to take out pet insurance to cover the cost of treatments should their pets fall ill.

The Irish Times has reported that anyone who owns a pet should be aware of the expenses that can be incurred should their animal get ill or require surgery.

Orla Aungier, of the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told the paper: "We cannot stress the importance of pet insurance enough.

"Like any insurance, you don't know when you're going to need it. Unfortunately with pets, if they end up having ... surgery ... the costs can spiral so quickly."

Dr Mark Stickney, director of general surgery services at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, recently told MarcoNews that keeping pets well groomed is one way to ensure good health.

He noted that owners should look to brush their pet's teeth and bathe them on a regular basis.

Pet insurance from InsureandGo allows animal lovers to cover the cost of trips to the vet.