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

One in 10 not happy with pet insurance
pet insurance form
For 16 per cent of the survey's respondents, regular communication with their pet insurer was 'poor' or 'very poor'.
Cost and communication cited as top gripes, survey finds

Over one in 10 pet owners are unhappy with their insurance provider, according to a new survey carried out by Which?

Poor communication and value for money were found to be the top gripes, in the insurance company's study of around 2,000 pet owners.

Some 8 per cent of policy holders said they were 'unhappy' with their provider, while 3 per cent were 'very dissatisfied'.

For 16 per cent of the survey's respondents, regular communication with their pet insurer was 'poor' or 'very poor' and 12 per cent felt that value for money and the product itself was 'very poor'.

About a third of the participants had made a claim in the past 12 months, of which one in seven had problems with getting it paid.

According to the Association of British Insurers, 3 million of the country's pet owners have insurance. Providers pay a staggering £1.6 million a day in claims, with the average payment being £679.

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.