A “man’s Best Friend”...is Now Your Vet

Research from Petplan shows pet owners consider their vet a trustworthy friend and part of the community   Despite dogs traditionally being considered ‘man’s best friend’, it would appear that for pet lovers their best friend is actually their vet. Research from Petplan, the UK’s number one pet insurer, shows that nearly a quarter of pet owners would call their vet a ‘good friend’ and see them as an integral part of the community. With 62% of pets being registered to a veterinary practice, pet owners and vets are becoming closer. 42% of owners refer to their vet by their first name and a 47% have his/her mobile saved on their speed dial. Whilst vets aren’t normally considered to be sexy; bizarrely 9% of pet owners have admitted to having a crush on their vet. 98% of Petplan customers have said that they trust their vet; with many saying that they are more trustworthy than police officers - coming second only to doctors. 16% of pet owners have also said that they feel more comfortable talking to a vet rather than a police officer. Petplan's Head of Marketing, Isabella Von Mesterhazy commented: "At Petplan, we have worked closely with the veterinary community for over 35 years and through our customers we hear about the wonderful work they do each day. Vets have become unsung heroes to many families and local communities.” She continued: “Every year we search the UK for Petplan’s Vet of the Year to make sure that these members of society who make a real difference receive the recognition they deserve.” Brian Faulkner, a Petplan Vet of the Year winner commented: “Vets have always been considered part of the community with 70% of veterinary practices within 3 miles of their patients while over a third of pet owners stay with the same vet for more than five years. We often live in the same village or town as our clients and patients and we’re often recognised in our local town or village when out and about, even when off duty and we’re often asked to help out in a moment of crisis.” If you think your vet, veterinary nurse, vet support staff or veterinary practice deserves special acknowledgement for their efforts, why not nominate them for the Petplan 2012 Veterinary Awards. Making a nomination couldn’t be easier. Visit http://www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/ and tell us who you think deserves a “Veterinary Oscar” before 10th February 2012. The winners will be announced on 31st March 2012. ^*Research conducted on November 29th 2010 based on 1000 respondents for One Poll

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