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Childhood pets ‘increase ability to cope with adulthood stress’
More than 29 million Brits (55 per cent) believe pets can help children build stronger coping mechanisms.

Survey shows how pets can help children build stronger coping mechanisms

Owning a pet during childhood can help increase ability to cope with stressful situations in adulthood, according to new research.

Figures published by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) show that more than 29 million Brits (55 per cent) believe pets can help children build stronger coping mechanisms.

More than 2,000 people responded to the survey, which aimed to find out how companion animals can improve wellbeing. Of these, 98 per cent said that, despite the care needed, they wouldn’t be more stressed by having a pet during times of difficulty.

Around half of the respondents (52 per cent) agreed that pets helped lift their mood during times of distress and upset. One in five pet owners (20 per cent) said they would be most likely to turn to their pets for comfort.


NOAH Chief Executive Dawn Howard comments: “Mental health has a huge impact on the quality of our lives. Stress is a part of this: it is a normal part of life, yet at times we may become overwhelmed and our mental health can suffer.


“It’s reassuring to see the importance that pets play in helping us through difficult times. Our new research shines a light on how companion animals can help our wellbeing. There is no denying that pets have a hugely positive impact on people – more than two-fifths of the population (45 per cent) even said that pets fill a space in a family that they didn’t know they had!”


The survey also revealed that the positive impact of pets on mental health is strongly supported. Almost two in five UK adults said that having a pet gave them confidence. 


Some 67 per cent of respondents also said that having a pet provides companionship and friendship. 

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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.