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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th January 2014
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

Majority of owners view pet health as a priority
Dog and vet
NOAH study reveals owner attitudes to healthcare

More than three quarters of pet owners in the UK consider the health of their pet to be as or more important that their own, according to a survey by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).

Of the 2,000 UK pet owners to take part in the study, 16 per cent claimed they visited their vet more frequently than their doctor.

Findings revealed that the expertise of practice staff was a top priority for pet owners when it came to choosing a veterinary practice, with 69 per cent of respondents citing this as one of the most important deciding factors.

Close behind, convenience of practice location was significant for 67 per cent of owners, while 38 per cent said cleanliness and modern facilities were one of the top considerations.

A total of 86 per cent of owners cited their vet as one of the most trusted sources for advice on pet healthcare, while 53 per cent also put faith in other pet and animal experts. Finally, 47 per cent of respondants believe pet healthcare websites offer trustworthy advice.

The survey also looked at which factors owners believe are most important for their pet's wellbeing. Providing pets with a safe environment in which to live and sleep was noted by 80 per cent of owners, while 76 per cent felt access to nutritious food and water was one of the most important factors. Finally, 42 per cent saw access to export healthcare as a priority.

The results of the survey have been released as NOAH's "I heart my pet" campaign enters its second year. The campaign was launched to encourage owners to seek expert preventative healthcare advice for their pets.

Commenting on the campaign's newly revamped Pet Health Info website, NOAH chief executive Phil Sketchley said: "The website continues to include a wealth of completely unbranded information on animal healthcare as well as exciting resources for owners, but is now in a fresh new format – much more interactive and designed for use with mobile devices."

See the relaunched website here www.pethealthinfo.org.uk

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.