NEARLY a quarter of Southampton pet owners will be spending their summer holiday in the UK so they can take their furry companion, according to a survey.

Research by pet retail store Pets at Home revealed that pet owners are factoring in their pets in holiday plans, with 16 per cent of owners saying they never leave their pet behind when going on holiday.

Twenty-three per cent said that they will holiday in the UK to account for them.

Jonny Armstrong, head of insurance for Pets at Home, said: “Our pets are an important consideration in the family holiday plans; whether that’s taking a holiday in the UK so a pet can come along to join in the fun, or ensuring they are safe and well while you are away.”

In total, 33 per cent of owners have taken, or are planning to take their pet on holiday with them either in the UK or abroad this year.

Holiday makers spend a reported £387 million extra on their holidays to take their pet with them, with almost one-fifth spending at least an extra £75 on top of the usual accommodation for their pets.

The research comes as Pets at Home insurance warn owners about the importance of insurance when pets travel on holiday.