Solicitor Rachel Roche has been awarded a £75,000 Innovate UK Women in Innovation grant to develop PetPact, a pioneering digital platform that helps pet owners plan for their animals’ future care.
The award, part of UK Research and Innovation’s flagship programme supporting women-led innovation, recognises PetPact’s mission to address a little-known legal issue affecting millions of pet owners.
The founder of award-winning York-based firm Roche Legal, Roche created PetPact in 2025 to give owners peace of mind that their pets will be cared for if they become seriously ill, die or separate from a partner.
PetPact allows owners to name an animal guardian and set out clear instructions for their pet’s ongoing care. It sits alongside the owner’s will.
Roche said: “Like me, every pet owner hopes they will always be there to care for their furry, feathered or scaled friend, but life is unpredictable.
“Currently, your dog has the same legal status as your sofa, but nobody grieves for the loss of a sofa.
“We plan carefully for our children and finances, and the law should let us do the same for the animals who are part of our families.
“PetPact gives owners that protection today, and this Innovate UK award will help us demonstrate how we can reach pet owners at scale through the vets and insurers they already trust.”
Roche is one of 61 winners of this year’s Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards. She will receive a £75,000 grant alongside a year-long package of business support, training and networking.