'Pets and owners forgotten again’ - RSPCA shares ‘disappointment’ in 2026 Budget

Pet owners struggling with veterinary and food bills have received no specific support in the UK Government's Budget, the RSPCA has said.

The charity voiced strong dissatisfaction with the recent government budget, highlighting a lack of support for pet owners struggling with rising expenses.

It pointed out that no new funding or plans were announced to help those facing difficulties affording veterinary care or pet food, leaving animal welfare organisations to bear the financial burden.

According to fresh findings from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index reveals more than half of pet owners are worried about being able to afford vet bills and almost one in five animal owners are worried about paying for pet food.

Thomas Schultz-Jagow, executive director of advocacy and prevention at the RSPCA, said: “It’s disappointing that another UK Government budget has failed to include any specific measures to help pet owners at a time when animal welfare is battling a crisis.

“Our rescue centres are over-run, and our officers are responding to countless calls we feel could have been prevented had owners had access to support.“

RSPCA frontline officers have dealt with an average 410 ‘multi-animal’ incidents involving 10 or more every single month.

“The animal welfare sector delivers an essential public service, stepping in to care for thousands of vulnerable animals that cash-strapped local councils simply cannot manage.

“Despite this, charities are being left to absorb sky-high operational costs. This budget not only missed a critical opportunity to help pet owners, but to safeguard the animal welfare charitable sector.”