Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Create an Animal NHS for pensioners, those on low incomes, and for emergencies
Closed
233 signatures
What the petition asks
Introduce an Animal NHS for the animals of pensioners, those on means tested benefits and for animals who present with emergencies. Creating a national service to meet the needs of these animals would allow veterinary charities to help a new range of clients who are struggling to make ends meet.
No animal owner could be unaware of soaring veterinary costs. One of the most common reasons that the SHG sees for animal welfare prosecutions that is failure to seek veterinary advice, either at all, or quickly enough, even if the animal is booked in for when the next pay cheque arrives.
A recent survey found that nearly all UK vets that responded have seen animals during the last 12 months that should have been presented earlier. Financial problems were given as the main reason in 91% of cases.
We can and must do better.
A recent survey found that nearly all UK vets that responded have seen animals during the last 12 months that should have been presented earlier. Financial problems were given as the main reason in 91% of cases.
We can and must do better.
Timeline
| 28 Mar 2023 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 28 Sep 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
233
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
28 Mar 2023
Closed
28 Sep 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.