Financial help for small pet owners, who aren't insured and have to splash out on an operation or other medical treatment for their animal, is "very hit and miss", according to an official from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA).

Mark Johnston, a spokesperson for the BSAVA, said that charities can occasionally come to your aid if your pet needs an operation or expensive medical treatment - but small pet owners should not depend on this source as it is often conditional on factors such as wealth, location and the expense of treatment.

"You can get some help, but it is very hit and miss. It depends on where you live … it depends on the local charity … and they won't cover major [costs]," he explained.

"You're not going to get charity's covering some of the really expensive operations."

"If a cat gets run over and the owners can't afford to get its leg repaired, then the PDSA and the RSPCA may help and put a