Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Make responsible pet ownership teaching mandatory in schools

Closed 39 signatures

What the petition asks

As someone that has worked in both the veterinary and animal rescue industry I’ve seen first-hand the nationwide gap in education relating to pet care.
We believe bridging the gap between education and understanding responsible pet ownership is the only way we can improve on the current crisis.

Britain is a country which prides itself as a nation of animal lovers. However, there is no mandatory education on responsible pet ownership despite 57% of UK households owning a pet.

As we’ve entered into the post-lockdown period, rescue centres are inundated with abandoned or stray animals.

We believe the root of the current pet overpopulation problem can be traced back to a lack of accurate and up to date understanding relating to responsible pet ownership, including neutering and the benefits it can provide.

Timeline

13 Oct 2023 Petition opened for signatures
13 Apr 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 39
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 13 Oct 2023
Closed 13 Apr 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.