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GPs "would prescribe pets" to improve patient health
Elderly person with kitten
The majority of GPs said animals had improved patients' physical conditions.
Majority of family doctors say pets improve patients' mental and physical conditions

An overwhelming majority of family doctors and GPs say animals have improved their patients' physical condition, mental health and mood, according to the results of a new survey.

The online survey was the first of its kind to examine doctors' views and knowledge of the beneficial impact animals can have on human health. It was conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) in partnership with the Cohen Research Group.

Of the 1,000 doctors who took part, 69 per cent had worked with animals in hospitals, medical centres or practices. The majority said animals improved patients' physical condition (88 per cent), mental health (97 per cent), mood or outlook (98 per cent) and relationships with staff (76 per cent).

"Doctors and their patients really understand the human health benefits of pets and they are putting that understanding into practice," said HABRI executive director Steven Feldman.

Almost all (97 per cent) believe there are health benefits to owning a pet and three-quarters of the respondents said they had seen improvements in the overall health of at least one of their patients as a result of becoming a pet owner.

Many GPs had recommended a patient get a pet and almost three-quarters of them said they would "prescribe" pets to patients if medical evidence supported it.

"Time constraints" were reported as one of the major obstacles to discussing with patients the benefits of pets, however.

Mr Feldman added: "The science shows that pets can help with a wide range of health conditions - from heart health to depression to post traumatic stress disorder.

"HABRI hopes that this survey will help to break down the barriers and get more doctors and their patients talking about the important, scientifically-validated health benefits of pets."

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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.