May 2018
The rise and rise of unusual pets
The number of households in the UK with pets continues to increase. In 2018 so far, 13 million households in the UK own a pet: 600,000 more than last year. This equates to 45% of overall UK households, and 53% of UK households with children.
Given that we are only part way through 2018, we can expect this figure to rise even further during the year. But what kind of pets are we talking about? The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) have produced the following list of pets in the UK:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Domestic Fowl
- Indoor Birds
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Horses and Ponies
- Rats
- Ferrets
- Gerbils
- Insects
- Pigeons
- Frogs and Toads
- Mice
The list represents a wide variety of animals, birds and insects, every one of which is loved and cared for by their humans. In many cases, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Those of us who do not like snakes or rats may wonder why on earth someone would want one as a pet! Many of us have also been put in the awkward position of having to put up with a friend’s demanding dog or cat during a social situation.
So why do we have so many pets and why do we love them so much? One theory is that our early ancestors kept wolves, initially because they were useful for hunting but they gradually became tamer and as they evolved into dogs were viewed more as companions. Now many people regard their pet as part of the family.
But like any other family member, pets are not always convenient! They demand time, money and attention, and make spontaneity a distant memory. No longer can you go out for a day or away for a weekend on a whim; arrangements have to be made to ensure your pet either goes with you or is looked after in your absence. Some pets will then bear a grudge for days afterwards!
Various studies have suggested that pets are good for your mental health and well-being. Whilst some other studies dispute this, most pet owners would agree that this is the case. Pets bring joy in many different ways, and can also introduce you to a whole new social circle of people with similar pets.
Whatever the reason that you have your pet, and whatever type of pet you have, there is no doubt that they play a central role in your life. Most likely you would not have it any other way! Whatever is happening in your life and your family right now, your pet is an important part of that.
However, as we all know, time passes so quickly and pets are not with us forever. So why not take the time now to capture these happy times with your pet? At Venture Studios we love doing pet photography! We have photographed a wide range of pets – pretty much everything on the above list in fact!
At Venture Studios we offer a Just for Pets photography experience which is an ideal opportunity to enjoy and reflect the unique personality of your special pet. You can have photographs either of just your pet, or of the family and your pet together. Our gallery of pet photos gives a flavour of the kind of images that will result from your photography session.
At the moment we will also donate £5 to Dogs Trust for each Just for Pets Experience booked. Dogs Trust care for dogs that need rehoming, and also enable people to sponsor dogs. There are also many other opportunities for involvement and for different types of fundraising – such as our Just for Pets scheme.
Our Just for Pets Experience costs just £50. This includes a one hour pet friendly photography session – valued at £150 – and a 7″ x 5″ framed picture of your choice that is in itself worth £95.
You can either purchase your gift experiences directly through our website, or if you prefer to speak to us in person then do contact us at Venture Studios. We look forward to meeting you and your pet, and to help you create treasured memories to last a lifetime and beyond.
