Animal and Pet Support
If you are struggling with veterinary costs, pet food, caring for an animal because of illness or finding somewhere safe for a pet, support may be available.
Help us build Animal and Pet Support
Donations made for animals and pets are reserved for this work. Your support will help us develop reliable information and build practical assistance for families struggling to care for their pets.
Support our animal and pet work →John Shaw — Animal and Pet Support
John Shaw introduces Sixpence Support UK's free Animal and Pet Support information.
John Shaw is an AI-generated presenter.
Watch videoHello, I'm John Shaw. As you can see, I've got some lovely little friends with me today.
At Sixpence Support UK, we know that animals are more than just pets. They're companions, part of the family, and an important source of comfort for many people.
Our free Animal and Pet Support page provides clear information about looking after dogs, cats, and other animals.
It includes guidance on finding veterinary help, dealing with the cost of treatment, pet insurance, animal welfare, lost or found pets, adopting an animal, and coping when a much-loved pet dies.
Sixpence Support UK does not replace advice from a qualified vet, but we can help you find trusted organisations and understand where to start.
Visit SixpenceSupportUK.org and look for animal and pet support. Everything is free to use with no subscription and no hidden charges.
Please follow, copy, and share this video. It could help another pet owner who doesn't know where to turn.
Sixpence Support UK. Clear information and trusted support, all in one place.
Where to start
Pets can be an important part of the family. If you are struggling with veterinary costs, pet food, caring for an animal because of illness or finding somewhere safe for a pet, support may be available.
This page explains where to start and links to trusted UK organisations. Sixpence Support UK does not provide veterinary treatment or financial assistance for pets.
Urgent veterinary help
If your pet is seriously injured, having difficulty breathing, has collapsed, is bleeding heavily, may have been poisoned or appears to be in severe pain, contact a veterinary practice immediately.
If your usual veterinary practice is closed, listen to its recorded message or check its website for the emergency out-of-hours service.
Do not give an animal human medication unless a veterinary professional has specifically told you to do so. Some medicines that are safe for people can be dangerous or fatal to animals.
Choose the help you need
Tap any subject below to open the information and find the full support page.
1. Help with veterinary costsOpen information +Close information −
Veterinary treatment can be expensive, but some organisations provide free or lower-cost treatment to eligible owners. Our separate page explains the main schemes in detail.
2. Pet food and essential suppliesOpen information +Close information −
If you are struggling to afford pet food, ask local pet food banks, community food banks, animal welfare organisations and veterinary practices what support is available in your area.
Some food banks require a referral or proof of need, while others may only have certain types of food available. Contact them before travelling.
- Search for a pet food bank using your town or postcode.
- Ask your local food bank whether it also supplies pet food.
- Contact local animal rescue organisations.
- Tell the organisation about any medically prescribed or specialist food.
- Do not suddenly change your pet’s diet if a vet has advised against it.
3. Help for older or seriously ill pet ownersOpen information +Close information −
The Cinnamon Trust
The Cinnamon Trust supports older people, terminally ill people and their pets. Its volunteers may be able to help with day-to-day pet care, dog walking or temporary arrangements when an owner is unwell. It also provides information about longer-term care.
Telephone: 01736 757900
Availability depends on the person’s circumstances and whether volunteers are available locally.
4. Hospital stays and temporary pet careOpen information +Close information −
If you are going into hospital and cannot arrange care for your pet:
- Ask a trusted relative, friend or neighbour.
- Tell the hospital as early as possible that you have a pet at home.
- Contact your local council’s adult social care team if there is nobody who can help.
- Ask local animal welfare organisations about temporary fostering.
- Give the carer written details about food, medication, veterinary care and emergency contacts.
Emergency Pet Care Details
Write down or copy this list and leave it somewhere the carer will find it.
- Owner’s name and contact details
- Pet’s name, species, age and description
- Veterinary practice
- Medication and medical conditions
- Feeding instructions
- Microchip details
- Emergency contact
- Where leads, carriers, food and medication are kept
5. Domestic abuse and keeping pets safeOpen information +Close information −
People should not have to remain in an unsafe home because they are worried about their pets. Specialist services may be able to arrange confidential temporary foster care while an owner moves to safety.
Cats Protection Lifeline
Lifeline provides free and confidential fostering for cats belonging to families escaping domestic abuse in the areas it covers.
Dogs Trust Freedom Project
The Freedom Project offers confidential temporary fostering for dogs belonging to people escaping domestic abuse in the areas it covers.
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6. Lost or found petsOpen information +Close information −
If your pet is missing
- Search your home, garden and nearby hiding places.
- Contact the pet’s microchip database.
- Tell nearby veterinary practices and animal rescue centres.
- Use reputable local lost-and-found pet services.
- For a missing dog, contact the local council dog warden.
- Be cautious if someone asks for money before returning an animal.
If you find a pet
- Approach carefully and do not put yourself in danger.
- A veterinary practice or rescue organisation may be able to scan for a microchip.
- Report a found dog to the local council dog warden.
- Do not assume that an apparently stray animal has been abandoned.
- Keep found animals separate from your own pets where possible.
7. Animal cruelty, neglect or an animal in dangerOpen information +Close information −
If you believe an animal is being cruelly treated, neglected or is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate animal welfare organisation. Please do not confront anyone you suspect of cruelty.
If an animal is creating an immediate danger to people or traffic, call 999.
8. Bereavement and the loss of a petOpen information +Close information −
Losing a pet can cause deep grief. It is not “just a pet,” and people should not feel embarrassed about asking for support.
The Blue Cross Pet Loss Support service offers free, confidential support by telephone, email and webchat for people grieving a pet.
9. Before getting or adopting a petOpen information +Close information −
- Can you afford food, routine treatment and unexpected veterinary bills?
- Is the animal suitable for your home and lifestyle?
- Are pets permitted by your landlord or housing agreement?
- Who would care for the animal if you became ill?
- Can you provide the exercise, attention and long-term care it needs?
- Are you using a reputable rescue organisation or responsible seller?
Would you like to support this work?
Animal and pet donations remain reserved for animal and pet support.
Visit the animal donation page →Important information
Sixpence Support UK provides general information and links to other organisations. We do not provide veterinary advice, diagnose animals, arrange treatment, supply pet food or pay veterinary bills. Services, eligibility rules and areas covered can change. Check directly with the organisation before relying on any assistance.