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Pet-owning households rise by 600,000
Households with both children and dogs now number 2.3 million - an upswing of 11 per cent.
Increase in dog ownership ‘driven by families’ - PFMA

The number of pet-owning households in the UK has risen by 600,000 this year, according to new figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).

Based on interviews with 8,000 households, PFMA estimates that nearly half of UK households now own a pet (45 per cent), equating to a total of 13 million households.

Over a quarter (26 per cent) own a dog, which is 300,000 more than the previous survey and brings the UK dog population up to nine million.

It is appears that the rise in dog ownership is driven by families, as households with both children and dogs now number 2.3 million - an upswing of 11 per cent.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “We have long known that dogs are man’s best friend and it is positive to see an increase in the number of households with children also sharing their lives with dogs.

“Owning a dog can have so many benefits for families and our hugely successful Be Dog Smart campaign is packed full of advice and information to ensure this harmonious relationship continues.”

Cats have also seen a spike in popularity, with eight million now being kept as pets - the highest level in five years. Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of households own a cat, the figures suggest.

The top 10 pets are:
  • Dogs - nine million
  • Cats - eight million
  • Rabbits - 900,000
  • Indoor birds - 500,000
  • Domestic fowl - 500,000
  • Guinea pigs - 400,000
  • Hamsters - 300,000
  • Tortoises and turtles - 300,000
  • Lizards - 200,000
  • Snakes - 200,000

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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.