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The former RSPCA chief veterinary officer, Caroline Allen, has officially launched a consultancy service – named Pet Lighthouse – to help owners amid rising veterinary costs and complex care options.
News of Allen’s consultancy debut follows reports of declining trust in the veterinary profession, as a Which? survey suggests 25% of owners worry about their pets being overtreated.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating the sector, and findings indicate that approximately 9.5 million pet owners avoid visiting vets due to concerns over transparency and costs. At the same time, it is thought that the UK’s dog population has reached 15.5 million.
Pet Lighthouse says it will provide independent second opinions and extended consultations, with Allen’s aim being to balance medical possibilities with animal welfare and the practical realities of families.
The consultancy operates alongside existing veterinary practices to assess a pet’s quality of life. It also focuses on environmental and behavioural factors rather than clinical symptoms alone.
Allen said: “We are a nation of devoted pet parents, but more medicine doesn’t always mean a better life. In a world of high-tech diagnostics and 15-minute vet appointments, owners are often left in a ‘fog’ of complex choices. They aren’t just asking ‘what is wrong?’ – they are asking ‘what is right for my pet, and my family?’
“Every pet is an individual, and every family has a different threshold: emotionally, financially and practically. Pet Lighthouse is about providing the clarity to choose the right path – one that prioritises the wellbeing of the animal and the peace of mind of the owner.”
