UK Pet Care News: June 2026

The big story this fortnight is people, not pets: stronger rights for renters to keep animals are already pushing thousands more dogs and cats into UK homes. Alongside that, Pets at Home reported its full-year numbers and the vet pricing overhaul edged closer to becoming binding. Here is what changed between early and mid-June 2026, and what it means if you own a pet or pay someone to care for one.

Renters’ new right to keep pets drives a jump in dogs and cats

Since the Renters’ Rights Act gave tenants in England a statutory right to request a pet, with landlords no longer allowed to apply a blanket “no pets” ban, the effect on ownership is showing up fast. Pet insurer Waggel reported new policies up 26 per cent on the previous six-month average, with quote requests up by more than 20,000 in May, a 28 per cent rise in newly registered dogs and a 17 per cent rise in cats. The practical takeaway: a wave of first-time renters’ pets means more demand for groomers, walkers and sitters, and more competition for slots in your area. If you are about to ask your landlord, put the request in writing and keep it specific, and if you are lining up day care our guide on choosing a dog walker covers what to check first. Reported by Insurance Times.

Pets at Home posts full-year results, with vet care still the growth engine

Pets at Home published its results for the year to 26 March 2026, showing group consumer revenue up around 1 per cent to roughly £2bn but underlying profit before tax down about 30 per cent to £92.8m, dragged by a weaker retail arm. The vet group was the bright spot, with revenue up 5 per cent to £688.1m and 407 joint-venture practices now running. For owners that confirms two things worth planning around: high-street pet retail is under pressure, which tends to mean more promotions and price competition, while vet costs keep climbing. The company’s AGM is set for 9 July. Full numbers via GlobalPETS.

Vet pricing reforms move closer, with a prescription fee cap and clearer price lists

The Competition and Markets Authority’s overhaul of the UK vet sector is firming up into binding rules after it found competition was not working and pet owners were overpaying. The package includes a cap on prescription fees, a requirement for practices to publish detailed price lists for standard treatments, and disclosure of whether a practice is independent or part of a larger group, with the formal order expected later in 2026 and larger businesses complying through 2027. The headline saving for owners is on medicines, which the CMA found are often 50 to 60 per cent cheaper bought online, so it is worth asking for a written prescription rather than buying drugs over the counter at the surgery. Analysis from Bird & Bird.