Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Holiday paws for thought
Survey reveals women miss pets most when holidaying

A recent survey of more than 1,000 pet owners has put paws for thought on whether dogs really are "man's" best friend.

When asked who they miss most when away on holiday, 37 per cent of women chose their pets over their partners, family or friends.

Not only are pets missed most by their holiday making owners, but the survey also revealed that owners make frequent efforts to stay in touch. Two in five owners have called from holiday to check on their pet, and a surprising 14 per cent have "chatted" to their pet on the phone.

Furthermore, five per cent of owners admitted to having a Skype conversation with their dog.

A small number of people were found to have cut their holiday short because they had been missing their pet so much, meanwhile, more than half of the surveyed pet owners have planned holidays so that they can take their pet with them.

For those pet owners who can't bring themselves to leave their pets at home, Skyscanner, the company behind the survey, has compiled a useful guide to airline pet policies and fees. Click here for more information.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.