Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Animal Food Access and Poverty

Pet food poverty prevents adequate nutrition for companion animals in low-income households - targeted food bank programmes and vet support address this welfare gap.

Key Facts

Over 20% of UK pet owners have reported difficulty affording veterinary care
Pet food bank programmes have expanded significantly since 2020
Companion animals in food-insecure households face nutritional deficiency and veterinary neglect
Low-cost and free veterinary clinics improve welfare access for animals in deprived communities
Link between companion animal and owner wellbeing means pet welfare supports human welfare

Welfare Considerations

Companion animals in low-income households face preventable welfare deprivation from inadequate nutrition and veterinary access. Food bank integration, low-cost clinics, and payment plan schemes address a welfare gap that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable pets.

What You Can Do

Donate pet food to pet food banks alongside human food bank contributions
Support organisations like PDSA that provide veterinary care for low-income pet owners
Advocate for veterinary payment plan schemes that improve access to care