12 February 2010

M&S Pet Insurance Reveals Animal Lovers Would Rather Leave Their Partner Than Their Pet

M&S Pet Insurance has found in its latest survey that almost two thirds (63%) of cat and dog owners would cancel a date if their pet was ill. The survey found that if it came down to "it's me or the pet", 42% of people would always choose their cat or dog over their partner.

Only 11% of people who have never been married said they would definitely give up their cat or dog if they had a partner who didn't like them. Just over a fifth (21%) of married adults, or those in a civil partnership, would always put their relationship before their cat or dog
12% of co-habiting adults said they would definitely say 'goodbye' to their cat or dog forever for the sake of their relationship. Over half (52%) of women would always choose their pet over their partner, while only just over a quarter (26%) of men would always choose their relationship over their cat or dog.

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: "These findings are not surprising as Britain is well-known as a pet-loving nation.  Pet-owners often have a close bond with their animals as they are often a predictable presence in our ever changing lives; providing unconditional love, emotional support and companionship. Therefore, when a new partner comes along it is not surprising that they need to love the pet as much as the person".

M&S Pet Insurance policyholders know that if their cat or dog does fall ill before a date this weekend, they have access to a 24-hour advice line.

Vetfone nurses provide concerned animal lovers with immediate advice on a pet's condition and can decide whether emergency medical treatment is required.

Further information about M&S Premier Pet Insurance as well as key features is available by contacting M&S Money or through the M&S Money website.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2044 adults. Online survey fieldwork undertaken between 26th - 28th January 2010. Figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About M&S Money

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit cards provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK.  M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,422 billion at 30 June 2009, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as 'the world's local bank'.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

M&S Pet Insurance policies are provided by RSA Insurance Group plc.

For further information please call the M&S Money press office:
Simon Coughlin
Media Relations Manager
M&S Money
8 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HQ
020 7992 1574
money.marksandspencer.com