Abstract
Background: There is limited research on how rodent owners use and perceive veterinary services, and the demand for pet insurance for these species.
Methods: An online survey of rodent owners (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, and mice) measured owner confidence in recognising signs of illness, opinions on and utilisation of veterinary services and demand for pet insurance.
Results: 1700 respondents completed the survey. Rat owners had increased confidence in recognising signs of illness as did owners who acquired their pet from a breeder or rescue centre. Most respondents had utilised veterinary services, with owners perceiving exotics specialists to have increased knowledge. Economic challenges with accessing veterinary care were common. Where rodents were purchased for children, the amount owners were willing to spend on veterinary care was significantly less.
Limitations: Responses may have been biased towards keen owners who self-selected to participate in the survey. Respondents were predominantly female which may have affected willingness to access and pay for veterinary services.
Conclusion: Veterinary spending was not affected by income, however, owners who purchased their pet for children were less willing to pay for veterinary services and pet insurance.
Methods: An online survey of rodent owners (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, and mice) measured owner confidence in recognising signs of illness, opinions on and utilisation of veterinary services and demand for pet insurance.
Results: 1700 respondents completed the survey. Rat owners had increased confidence in recognising signs of illness as did owners who acquired their pet from a breeder or rescue centre. Most respondents had utilised veterinary services, with owners perceiving exotics specialists to have increased knowledge. Economic challenges with accessing veterinary care were common. Where rodents were purchased for children, the amount owners were willing to spend on veterinary care was significantly less.
Limitations: Responses may have been biased towards keen owners who self-selected to participate in the survey. Respondents were predominantly female which may have affected willingness to access and pay for veterinary services.
Conclusion: Veterinary spending was not affected by income, however, owners who purchased their pet for children were less willing to pay for veterinary services and pet insurance.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Veterinary Record |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 8 Nov 2024 |