The Pet Industry Federation has responded to recommendations from the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee on the environmental impact of pet parasite medicines.
The Committee's report recommends that pet parasiticides should, as a minimum, move from general sale to NFA-VPS status, meaning they would need to be supplied by a veterinary surgeon, pharmacist or Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). It also recommends extending the period during which pets should not be bathed following application of spot-on treatments from four days to 28 days.
PIF supports practical measures that directly reduce environmental contamination. If supported by the evidence, a clear 28-day bathing guideline could be an important step, giving pet owners, pet groomers and other professionals a consistent rule to follow.
However, the Federation is concerned that restricting access alone will not tackle how products are actually being used.
Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: "We recognise the environmental concerns around pet parasite treatments and agree that the industry has an important role to play in reducing their impact.
"Clear, practical guidance is essential. If evidence shows it will reduce environmental release, a consistent bathing interval can be the kind of measure that owners and pet professionals can understand and act on.
"However, we are concerned that restricting where these products are sold wouldn’t actually solve the problem. We need to ensure that any new measures improve environmental outcomes without making effective parasite control harder or more expensive for pet owners. This should not become a choice between environmental protection and animal welfare. With better education, clear guidance and proportionate regulation, we should be able to achieve both."
Recent VMD data show that sales of companion animal medicines containing fipronil have fallen for three consecutive years from their 2021 peak, while imidacloprid sales in 2024 were around 27% lower than in 2015.
PIF believes this reinforces the need to understand all significant sources and pathways of environmental contamination. Fipronil and imidacloprid are not unique to companion animal flea treatments and other potential sources of these compounds in waterways have not yet been fully investigated or quantified. These should not be overlooked when considering future policy.
Any regulatory response should therefore be based on robust evidence about the relative contribution of different sources, rather than assuming that companion animal medicines are the sole or predominant cause.
Pet groomers, boarding establishments and specialist pet retailers can all play a greater role in communicating responsible-use information to owners. PIF’s survey of professional groomers identified a clear education opportunity, with many businesses not routinely asking whether an animal had recently received a spot-on treatment before bathing.
The organisation would also like to see specialist pet retailers remain part of the distribution network. Trained and regulated retailers can provide advice on product selection, application, dosing, storage, disposal and environmental precautions while maintaining accessible parasite control for pet owners.
PIF stands ready to work with government, the VMD, the veterinary profession, manufacturers, retailers and environmental organisations on practical, evidence-based solutions.
