Just like humans, our pets need to eat the right quality and quantity of food and have the right amount of exercise to live long, healthy, and happy lives.

For more than a decade, we’ve monitored pet well-being in our annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – the UK’s largest insight into the lives of pet cats, dogs, and rabbits. Data from the Report shows that potentially millions of cats and dogs in the UK are overweight, out of shape, and at risk of developing health problems, such as diabetes and urinary tract disease.

Worryingly, data from our latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report showed that 54% of owners don’t know their pet’s ideal weight, and 82% don’t know their pet’s body condition score (a tool developed by vets to evaluate body fat). This could mean many of the UK’s pets are still at risk of long-term health problems.

An infographic stating that 54% of owners do not know their pet's ideal weight

PDSA’s Big Weigh In is back for 2024

To help educate more owners and protect UK pets against the growing issue of pet obesity, PDSA’s Big Weigh In, in partnership with Royal Canin, is back for 2024.

Throughout February and March 2024, dog and cat owners nationwide will once again be able to book a FREE Big Weigh In appointment at their local participating vet practice to get their pet weighed and body condition scored (BCS). Once your pet has received their results, you’ll know whether they need to slim down, fill out, or maintain their ideal weight.

Further findings from our PAW Report show that 32% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners don’t know their pet’s weight. Sadly, pet obesity can lead to long-term health problems that threaten the health and wellbeing of UK pets.

But, by working with pet owners, PDSA’s Big Weigh In can help pets live more healthily and lower their risk of unnecessary, often expensive to treat, weight-related illnesses. We know how important it is for pets to maintain a healthy weight, so it’s our goal to help owners know and understand this too – that’s why we want to encourage pet owners to take their pet to the vet for a FREE Big Weigh In appointment.

Book your FREE Big Weigh In appointment

Find your nearest participating vet practice and read the full terms and conditions of PDSA’s Big Weigh In.

The ideal weight for your cat or dog

Whether you’re #TeamDog or #TeamCat (or both!), it’s your responsibility as an owner to ensure your pet is not overweight or underweight. Knowing and maintaining your pet’s ideal weight can extend their life and lower their risk of developing serious diseases.

Is my puppy/dog a healthy weight?

Overweight dogs tend to have shorter lifespans and are more likely to develop serious diseases. Our expert advice will help your four-legged friend to cut down on the treats, put on some pounds, or maintain their ideal weight.

Learn more

Is my kitten/cat a healthy weight?

Want to know if your kitten/cat is the ideal weight? Our expert advice will help you know whether your feline friend needs to move more, eat more, or continue doing everything as usual to maintain their ideal weight.

Learn more

An infographic stating that veterinary professionals estimate that 43% of cats are overweight or obese
An infographic stating that 82% of owners do not know their pet's body condition score
An infographic stating that veterinary professionals estimate that 46% of dogs are overweight or obese

Illustrations by Steve Bridger 2021