🐾 About Coco’s Campaign
They Feel. We Hurt. The System Must Change.
This campaign began with Coco — our beloved dog, our best friend, and the heart of our home.
Coco isn’t “just a pet.” He’s the biscuit thief with a soft spot for plush toys, the little gentleman who greets guests with his stuffed carrot. He’s the one who presses in close for a cuddle when you need it most. He’s family.
When Coco suddenly became unwell, the initial diagnosis was pancreatitis. For over two weeks, we followed the prescribed treatment carefully — but Coco only got worse. His symptoms persisted. Then he started to lose the use of his legs.
Only then was Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) finally identified. But by that point, precious time had been lost. Instead of receiving the rest and targeted medication he truly needed, Coco was caught in a spiral of misdiagnosis, delayed care, and worsening symptoms.
We were presented with a heartbreaking choice: expensive emergency surgery or euthanasia.
But there was something missing from that conversation — conservative treatment. With strict rest, anti-inflammatories, and time, Coco recovered. Not thanks to the system, but in spite of it.
We nearly lost him.
Not because there was no hope — but because the first path taken was the wrong one.
🐾 Why the System Must Change
Since then, we’ve learned the truth: when something goes wrong in veterinary care, pet owners have nowhere to turn.
- There’s no independent ombudsman.
- Animals are still seen as property under UK law.
- And the complaints process? Controlled by the RCVS and defended by the VDS.
We spent thousands.
Coco suffered.
We almost lost him.
And when we tried to get answers?
No apology. No accountability. No fair, transparent process.
Just silence — unless we wanted to take on a costly legal battle most people can’t afford.
🐾 Why We’re Campaigning
This campaign started with Coco. But it’s not just about him anymore.
It’s about fighting for a better system — one that protects pets and the people who love them. One that recognises what pets really are to us: family.
We are calling for change in three key areas:
1️⃣ Pets Are Not Property
Because Coco isn’t a sofa. Or a phone.
He’s not replaceable — and he never will be.
The law must reflect the reality: pets are sentient beings, not possessions.
2️⃣ An Independent Ombudsman and Transparent Complaints Process
Because right now, there’s no one truly neutral overseeing complaints.
We need fair, accessible options for when things go wrong — just like in every other service industry. Pet owners deserve the same rights and protections.
3️⃣ Ethical Standards That Put Animal Welfare First
Because no one should ever have to choose between their pet’s life and their bank balance.
Money should never override care.
We must ask hard questions about how profit, pressure, and policy affect life-and-death decisions.
🐾 Not Anti-Vet, Just Pro-Pet and Pro-People 🐾
This campaign isn’t about attacking vets.
It’s about fixing the system around them.
Most vets care deeply. But when mistakes happen, we need a system that supports truth and transparency, not one that hides behind legal defence and loopholes.
We want a system that works for everyone — vets, pets, and the people who love them.
🐾 Join Us in the Fight for Change
Coco’s story is just one of many, and it’s time for the system to reflect the true value of our animals. This campaign isn’t just about what happened to him — it’s about making sure no pet or owner has to face the same heartbreak, confusion, and injustice again.
Together, we can create a future where pets are treated with the respect and care they deserve, where owners are supported, and where accountability is the standard — not the exception.
Take Action:
Help us make a difference:
- Sign the Petition
Push for stronger protections, legal recognition of pets, and an independent complaints process. - Share the Campaign
Raise awareness. Tell Coco’s story. Help others understand what’s broken — and how we fix it. - Support the Cause
Follow Coco’s journey, stay involved, and help us keep the pressure on.
Because Coco’s story is not unique.
Because next time, it could be your pet.
Because silence won’t fix anything — but action just might.
Thank you for standing with us.
For Coco. For all pets. For justice. 🐾