Perception and utilisation of veterinary services by rodent owners in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: There is limited research on how rodent owners use and perceive veterinary services and what the demand for pet insurance for these species is.

Methods: An online survey of owners of pet rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils and mice) measured owner confidence in recognising signs of illness, their opinions on and use of veterinary services and their willingness to purchase pet insurance.

Results: A total of 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 used 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 animal for their children were less willing to pay for veterinary services and pet insurance.