Rescue centres are bracing themselves for a surge of ‘pandemic pups’ being abandoned this year, according to new research.

Since the start of the covid-19 pandemic, 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet but figures from Co-op Insurance reveal 12% of consumers regret their pets and would consider leaving an unwanted animal at a rescue centre.

The research found that pet lovers would take their pets to the vet more frequently than visiting the doctors themselves, yet unexpected vet bills make them wary of taking on a rescue animal.

In response to this data, Co-op Insurance has launched new pet insurance for dogs and cats over eight weeks old. To help make adoption more affordable, it includes an introductory discount on policies for those insuring a pet from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre – 7.5% for Co-op members and 2.5% for non-Co-op members.

The research carried out by YouGov shows that 91% of Brits looking for a pet would consider adopting from a rescue centre, however, 29% are deterred as they believe they would be expensive to insure and care for.

Of the 51& of the British public who would like to get a pet, the research revealed that 39% would be put off unless the animal was known to have a clean bill of health. In addition, 41% believe they are too high-maintenance, and 32% say they do not have time to look after a pet.

The Only Way is Essex television star Pete Wicks, who is also an RSPCA ambassador and Co-op Insurance customer, Pete Wicks said: “I’m delighted to be working with Co-op insurance on the launch of this new insurance cover. 

“My dogs really are the most important thing to me. Peggy and Eric [my French bulldogs] always have and continue to get me through tough times, so I find it crazy how some people don't prioritise their health in the same way we would our own. Insurance is the best thing we can give our pets.’’

Ryan O’Meara, founder of dog rescue organisation Dogs Blog, said: “When someone is thinking of getting a dog, it's a wise choice to think about adopting one first. One of the biggest myths about adopting from a shelter is that rescue dogs are somehow problem dogs. This could not be further from the truth. 

“There are multiple advantages to adopting, not least the fact that you are changing an animal's life. Rescue shelters work extra hard to make sure owners are matched to suitable pets. If someone is worried about adopting, it's worth remembering that dogs end up in rescue for many reasons - owners die, relationships break up, people's living arrangements change - and this means there is a rescue dog for everyone somewhere in Britain's shelters. 

“As a former professional dog trainer and the co-founder of dogsblog.com (which has helped more than 60,000 rescue dogs find new homes), I can safely say, adopting a dog is one of the very best things I've ever done in my life.’’