A Cambridgeshire animal charity are urging people to make sure they have insurance for their pets.

Wood Green, who's headquarters are in Godmanchester, say they've seen a big increase in people asking them for help to pay vets bills. They believe it's down to people struggling in the economic downturn.

They claim they're being forced to turn away more than 14 pets in need of veterinary care every week because their owners have neglected to insure them.

The Charity is receiving daily requests to treat issues including broken legs, jaws, ear infections, skin disorders and dental problems of dogs, cats and rabbits because pet owners cannot afford the treatment.

Research conducted by the PDSA for its Animal Wellbeing Report 2011 reveals that 48% of dog owners, 69% of cat owners and 94% of rabbit owners do not insure their pets with 40% saying it is too expensive and 23% saying it is not necessary.

With 88 dogs, 129 cats, 60 rabbits and 263 other small animals and field animals currently in its care across its three centres, Wood Green, The Animals Charity is struggling to cope with increased demand for veterinary treatment from members of the public and is therefore urging pet owners to get their pets covered.

Head of Veterinary Services at Wood Green, Vanessa Cunningham said: "Ownership of a pet brings huge rewards, but also brings responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is to provide healthcare for your pet, another is to protect yourself and your family from unexpected, expensive veterinary bills.

"Animals are just as susceptible to illness and injuries as their owners and two out of three pets need veterinary attention every year. With veterinary fees unfortunately continuing to rise at a faster rate than inflation, it is essential people take up pet insurance."

One of Wood Green's clients, who wishes to remain anonymous, let her monthly insurance payments for her five-year-old Bichon Frise Snowy lapse in a bid to save money.

However, within a month of stopping the insurance Snowy had to undergo emergency treatment to remove a cataracts which cost her family more than £3,000.

She said: "At the time I needed to make savings and as Snowy was young and healthy, I didn't think stopping the insurance would matter. I now realise that you just don't know what is round the corner and I am more out of pocket than I was before.  

Mrs Cunningham added: "In tougher economic times like today, pets are a 'luxury item' and people should consider this and their ongoing costs and commitment before making the decision to get one.

"Sadly Wood Green is a Charity with limited resources and is therefore having to make the heart-breaking decision to turn poorly pets away on a daily basis."