What pet owners don't know could make a difference to their pet's health

12 October 2026

1 in 5 (21%) pet owners admit to doing no research before getting a pet
1 in 6 pet owners (16%) looked into the cost of ownership before buying a pet

1 in 3 (32%) dog owners only walk their dog for 30 minutes or less a day

Around 1 in 6 pet owners (16%) believe their pet needs to lose weight.

PDSA launches Pet Check Challenge to help equip owners with the knowledge they need so pets can live healthy, happy lives and avoid preventable vet care

The latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the UK’s largest annual assessment of pet wellbeing, reveals the potential blind spots that pet owners could miss, proving that sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know!

Exploring The Knowledge Gap: What Pet Owners Don’t Know About Their Pets, the Report recognises that while most owners want the best for their pets, good intentions do not always translate into the care they need to thrive.

From doing no research before buying a pet to everyday decisions about food, exercise and training, a lack of knowledge can affect pets’ health and wellbeing, sometimes leading to preventable health problems and costly veterinary treatment. Key knowledge gaps included:

Pet preparation

1 in 5 (21%) pet owners admit to doing no research before buying or rescuing their pet, raising concerns regarding owners’ awareness of crucial factors, such as which species may be suitable for an individual or family’s lifestyle, through to how to provide appropriate care, e.g. appropriate walking, training, mental stimulation, enrichment etc., to breed related conditions that can be distressing and costly in the long term.
Only 1 in 6 pet owners (16%) looked into the cost of ownership before buying a pet, which is particularly important during the current cost of living crisis, as pet and veterinary costs continue to increase.

61% of pet owners say they found their pet online. While finding a pet online can make it easier for owners to research and find a pet, it can also carry numerous risks. PDSA advises that owners should take care when responding to online adverts and check that the seller or organisation is genuine and prioritises the welfare of the animals. Often irresponsible or illegal breeding and rehoming activity can be difficult to identify from photos, videos and descriptions alone, potentially leading to devastating consequences for both pets and their owners.
1 in 3 (32%) of pedigree cat owners say that one of the main reasons they chose their breed was their looks. PDSA finds it worrying that only 4% of pedigree cat owners cited good health as a reason for choosing their cat, with no difference selecting their pet’s health between pedigree and domestic cat owners. This indicates that health was less commonly considered when choosing a cat compared to other factors such as appearance and temperament.

Nutrition

Around 1 in 6 pet owners (16%) believe their pet needs to lose weight. PDSA believes this figure to be hugely underestimated* and highlights the importance more than ever of keeping owners informed about how to manage their pets’ diet and weight. Being overweight can cause health problems by placing additional pressure and strain on their body. Obesity can also worsen or trigger health problems such as arthritis, cancer and breathing difficulties. These conditions may affect mobility, comfort and overall quality of life, making prevention and early weight management particularly important.

Treats were also commonly associated with happiness, with around 2 in 5 (42%) owners saying they gave treats to make their dog feel happy and 3 in 10 (30%) dog owners saying they did so because it made them feel happy.  Sadly, frequent treats can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain. PDSA suggest that play, training and verbal praise can provide alternative ways to reward and interact with dogs.

Exercise

Almost 1 in 3 dog owners (32%) only walk their dog for 30 minutes or less a day. While this may be appropriate for some dogs, depending on their individual needs, for many this will not provide sufficient exercise and stimulation, which can lead to health problems, and impact their mental wellbeing. The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on factors including their breed, age, health, fitness, and personality, but all dogs benefit from regular, varied opportunities for physical activity and mental stimulation.

Dogs walked for less than 30 minutes a day were around 70% more likely to display excessive barking at someone outside the window than dogs walked for one to two hours a day (32% vs 19%), and around 59% more likely to jump up at people than dogs walked over two hours a day (27% vs 17%).  While these findings do not establish that shorter walks cause these behaviours, they highlight the potential importance of providing dogs with sufficient physical and mental stimulation.

Preventive measures

Figures suggest 1 in 3 dogs (31%), 1 in 10 cats (11%) and just over 1 in 4 rabbits (28%) are not neutered, potentially placing them at risk of a series of significant, preventable health conditions such as pyometra, which can be fatal. Vet teams are best placed to support pet owners in making an informed decision, considering factors including the animal’s age, sex, breed, lifestyle, purpose and the potential impact of neutering on their health and behaviour.

PDSA vet Anna Ewers-Clark said:

“Every pet deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life and have their needs understood and met. In our PDSA Pet Hospitals, we see every day how prevention and early intervention can be life changing for both pets and their owners, ultimately the healthier pets remain the less veterinary support they will require; for PDSA this is crucial, so we can be there for even more pets in need.

“We know that people love their pets and want to give them the best possible life they can. To help make that a reality, we want to help equip pet owners to be the very best pet owner they can be. By shining a light on the blind spots identified by this year’s PAW Report, we want to support pet owners with the information and knowledge they need that will help them and their pets.

“By improving what people know about pets, helping them understand what their pet needs and supporting them to turn that knowledge into action, we can make a real difference to the lives of our beloved pets and help them enjoy healthier, happier lives.”

Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said:

“Pets are an incredibly important part of our society and for millions of people they provide companionship, comfort, happiness and support through some of life's most difficult moments.

“With that relationship comes responsibility. Every pet deserves to have their welfare needs understood and met, and owners need access to the right information and support to help them provide the best possible care.

“Research such as PDSA's Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report plays an important role in helping us understand the experiences of pet owners and the challenges they face, while highlighting where greater awareness and support could make a real difference.

“The work of charities such as PDSA is vital in helping people keep their pets healthy and well, while ensuring owners have somewhere to turn to when they need advice, support or veterinary care.”

The importance of neutering - Neville's story

When Hollyetta noticed her cat Neville had developed a swollen tummy, she initially thought she was pregnant but an ultrasound at Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital confirmed that Neville was suffering from pyometra - a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the womb.

PDSA vets operated immediately to remove her infected womb, and thankfully Neville was able to return home later that evening.

Pyometra is unfortunately a condition PDSA sees often in its Pet Hospitals that can affect unneutered female pets and can be fatal without urgent treatment. Therefore, recognising the signs and seeking veterinary advice quickly can be lifesaving. It is also entirely preventable when female pets are neutered.

Holyetta said: “I had absolutely no idea that not being spayed would cause Neville to get a life-threatening infection in her womb. When I rushed Neville to Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital and was told that, I was actually in shock and very upset that her life was at risk and that she may not even make it through the surgery. If I had known that being unspayed would cause that, then I’d never have left her unspayed and would have made sure I got it done as soon as I could. She's my everything and to think we could have lost her doesn’t bear thinking about.” After seeing Neville safely through treatment, Hollyetta added:

“Within a week or two she recovered really well and is now back to her cheeky self - full of cattitude!

“It was scary for me seeing her like that and not knowing how sick she was, as I had mistaken it as Neville being pregnant.

"I would certainly urge anyone with cats to get them spayed as soon as they can so they don't have to go through what I went through, as I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn't registered Neville with PDSA.

“I would never ever leave another female kitten / cat unspayed now I know what can happen.

“I cannot thank the PDSA enough for the care they showed Neville. All the staff were fantastic with me and Neville, and we will be forever grateful.”

The total cost of Neville’s treatment, funded by PDSA, was nearly £800. 

PDSA wants to empower people with the knowledge and support they need to be able to spot problems with their pets, make informed choices about how to be a responsible pet owner and help them understand the preventative steps they can take, and know when to seek veterinary expertise.

As part of this drive, existing and prospective pet owners are being encouraged to take the online PDSA Pet Check Challenge today. The ten question, eye-opening quiz will quickly reveal how much they actually know about their pet’s wellbeing and will uncover practical ways to be the best pet owners they can be, so their pets can live happy and healthy lives.

For more information, read the full PawReport for 2026 here.