With the debate ranging over pets in lets, a new analysis by comparative website Compare The Market suggests pet damage is typically more expensive than that caused by children.

Although pets cause less damage to the home than kids overall, the survey found that pet owners are more likely to claim on their home insurance with 24 per cent of pet owners admitting to doing so, compared to only 15 per cent of parents. The typical pet owner claim averaged £225.

Pets owners in Leeds are forking out the most every time their furry friends cause damage, with an average cost of almost £300. This is followed by pet owners in Birmingham (£269) and London (£261).

The most common damage caused by pets is ripping or staining the carpet, as over 42 per cent of pet owners have experienced this; next came stained or damaged sofas (38 per cent) following by damage to walls and skirting boards (35 per cent) and broken ornaments or fittings (31 per cent).

Of those pet owners who haven’t claimed for damage, most say they either didn’t think it was worth claiming for or didn’t want to claim on their insurance in case their annual premium went up.

Commenting on the research, Anna McEntee – director at Compare the Market – says: “As a number of parents and pet owners have experienced some type of damage to their home by their children or pets, it’s important to understand whether this is covered by your home insurance. Many home insurance providers do not cover accidental damage (such as that caused by children) or damage caused by pets as part of their standard policies. However, some do offer accidental and pet damage cover as optional add-ons, which may be worth considering if you are a parent or pet owner. It’s also important to check your home insurance policy to find out what type of damage you’re covered for.”