RSPCA and Dogs Trust Say Pet Owners Have Been Forgotten in Budget
Animal welfare charities have criticised the UK Budget for failing to provide targeted support for pet owners struggling with the rising cost of caring for their animals.
The RSPCA says many households are finding it increasingly difficult to afford essential veterinary treatment and pet food. The charity has warned that financial difficulties can contribute to situations where animals do not receive timely treatment, potentially allowing health problems to worsen. It is calling for greater government support to help owners before financial pressures develop into serious animal welfare concerns.
Research from the RSPCA’s 2026 Animal Kindness Index highlights the scale of the problem. The charity reports that 56% of pet owners are worried about their ability to afford veterinary bills, while 18% are concerned about paying for pet food. The findings underline how the cost of keeping an animal healthy has become a significant concern for households already facing wider cost-of-living pressures.
The charities argue that providing help earlier could prevent some cases of neglect and reduce pressure on animal rescue organisations. When owners cannot afford veterinary care or other essentials, charities may have to step in to support animals or arrange alternative care. The RSPCA says preventive measures could reduce the need for more costly interventions later and help keep pets safely with their families wherever possible.
Among the measures proposed by the RSPCA are targeted VAT relief on essential pet food and veterinary treatment. It has also called for support for community pet food banks and additional funding to help local authorities meet their responsibilities when vulnerable owners temporarily cannot care for their animals. Such assistance could be particularly important when an owner is unexpectedly admitted to hospital and arrangements are needed for their pet.
The pressure extends beyond individual pet owners to the charities responsible for rescuing and caring for animals. Rescue centres are dealing with high demand while facing increased energy bills, veterinary supply costs and other operating expenses. The RSPCA has also raised concerns about higher employer National Insurance contributions, warning that rising overheads can leave charities with fewer resources for frontline rescue and rehabilitation work.
The financial cost of responding to animal abuse and neglect is also substantial. Research by the independent Animal Welfare Evidence Centre estimates that reported illegal animal harm costs society between £830 million and £991 million each year across Great Britain. The figures include spending by public bodies, such as police, courts and local authorities, alongside the much larger sums spent by charities on emergency response, animal care and prevention. Researchers say the total is likely to be an underestimate because some incidents and wider costs are not recorded.
The RSPCA believes a stronger focus on prevention would benefit animals, owners and public services. Its proposals are intended to help families maintain appropriate care for their pets while reducing the likelihood of animals entering an already pressured rescue system. The charity is urging the Government to consider how financial assistance and support for welfare organisations could help address the underlying causes of neglect, rather than relying primarily on intervention after problems have developed.
For pet owners experiencing financial difficulties, animal welfare charities and community pet food banks can be an important source of support. The wider debate has highlighted the need for accessible advice and assistance, alongside responsible pet ownership. Charities say ensuring that people can meet their animals’ basic needs is an important part of protecting animal welfare and easing pressure on rescue centres across the country.
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