Why This Matters:

🚨 1 in 3 UK pet owners skips vet visits due to cost, putting animals at risk (RSPCA 2024)
💸 The average dog costs £1,500/year in vet bills – more than a family holiday
🏥 Only 10% of pets are insured, leaving millions vulnerable to financial hardship
Our Solution: A "Pet NHS" with:
✅ Basic preventive care (check-ups, vaccines) for £15/month
✅ Low-income subsidies so no pet goes untreated
✅ Fair pay for vets (salaries + bonuses, not commission-driven fees)

For more chronic and serious illness premium plan for £50/month

This works in Scotland (Pet Aid Scotland has helped 12,000 pets since 2022) – England deserves the same!

We Demand:

A DEFRA-funded pilot in 2025 to test this model
Transparent vet pricing to stop unfair fees
Government-backed pet insurance for emergencies
Sign now to show DEFRA that UK pets need affordable care!

 
Dear Sal,

My dog Leo needed emergency surgery last year, and the £3,000 bill nearly broke us. I’m not alone – 81% of UK pet owners say vet costs are spiralling out of control (PDSA 2024).

The system is broken:

Vets are pressured to upsell unnecessary treatments to meet corporate targets
Insurance companies deny claims for pre-existing conditions
1.3 million pets are abandoned annually because owners can’t afford care
But there’s hope:
Countries like Germany require mandatory pet insurance, while Scotland’s Pet Aid program proves subsidies work. We’re calling for:

A "Pet NHS" Basic Plan (£15/month): Covering annual check-ups, vaccines, and minor illnesses.
Income-Based Support: Free care for households on Universal Credit.
Vet Reform: End commission-based pay that drives up costs.
Why Sign?

🔍 50,000+ signatures will force DEFRA to respond officially
📢 Media attention puts pressure on policymakers
🐾 Every signature helps save pets like [Your Pet’s Name]
"I shouldn’t have to choose between my rent and my dog’s life." – Sarah K., London

"Thanks for signing! Here’s how else you can help:"