As we approach our next Masterclass, speaker Luke Mangion, Veterinary Surgeon at MORE THAN, reveals how insurers employ a range of experts from behavioural scientists and data analysts to risk and claim experts and veterinary surgeons like himself, and how journalists can cover the financial challenges of pet ownership, particularly vet fees. 

Can you give a quick overview of what your Masterclass session will cover?

We wanted to focus on an issue that many people will be experiencing right now – the rising cost of pet ownership. We’re a nation of animal lovers, with there being 21.3 million cats and dogs in the UK. However, the increasing cost of pet ownership, combined with the broader cost-of-living crisis, means many pet owners are feeling the pinch.

We’ll be covering how the cost of pet ownership has changed over the years and why – particularly vet fees. How are pet owners managing this financially, and is there anything else they can do?

What are the challenges surrounding your topic you would like journalists to help their readers understand? How will you be discussing this at the Masterclass?

The main challenge many pet owners will be contending with today is how they can manage their pet expenses, at a time when the cost of living is rising across the board. Pets can be expensive to care for and, sadly, some owners may be struggling to cope. The good news is that there are some practical steps that pet owners can take to manage their costs, while continuing to keep their pet happy and healthy.

What would you like to change about how journalists cover your area of expertise?

We’d been keen to speak with journalists more frequently to help them with stories. Insurance touches more areas than you might think, and we have experts that can share insights on a broad range of subjects – before today, you might not have realised that insurers employ veterinary surgeons, like myself! I’m lucky enough to work with a wide range of interesting people, from behavioural scientists and data analysts to risk and claim experts.

Luke Mangion, Veterinary Surgeon at MORE THAN, will be speaking at the upcoming Headlinemoney Masterclass on 20 April 2023, along with other industry experts giving succinct overviews of their sectors for financial journalists. Find out more and book a place.