Two thirds (62%) of UK pet owners are concerned that in the event of ‘no deal’, the supply of pet medicines in the UK could be interrupted and that some medications will be less easily available, new research by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) reveals.

NOAH’s research of more than 1,000 UK ownersshows high levels of concern for UK animal health particularly around the potential impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

This potential medicines shortage has led to 22% voicing their concern around a significant decline in the health of UK pets; 19% fearing that UK pets could develop serious health issues; and 10% even fearing that pets in the UK may die.

Nearly two thirds (61%) are unaware that Brexit could disrupt the supply of animal medicines in the UK. In addition, irrespective of whether a deal is done or not, over a third have voiced concerns about the availability of animal medicines (38%) and the availability of pet and veterinary professionals (37%) post-Brexit.

Nearly half (46%) of those surveyed are calling on the Government to take immediate action to protect the supply of animal medicines by negotiating a suitable deal with the EU, whilst 17% believe that Brexit should be abandoned in order to solve this issue.

The research also shows that more than half of UK pet owners are concerned about the potential for pet food (54%) and pet medicines (56%) to cost more after Brexit, as well as a concern that it will have a negative impact on access to pet and vet professionals (52%) when their animals need veterinary care.

This research builds on NOAH’s Brexit Barometers, which track the very latest in sentiment across the animal health industry as we move ever-closer to the March 2019 deadline for exit from the European Union.

NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “This new research shows that as we near the March 2019 deadline the British public are turning their thoughts to the impact of Brexit on the animals they love. Pet owner sentiment very much echoes our own industry sentiment in that we are all very concerned and in urgent need of clarity.

“Whilst Government advice published on 24 September provided some welcome information in relation to animal medicines, more clarity is needed. We all want to be able to uphold some of the best animal health and welfare standards in the world and ensure that our beloved family pets can continue to receive the veterinary care and protection they deserve.”