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: 10th December 2020
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

PDSA research reveals that pets will be a 'lifeline' for millions this Christmas
18 million pet owners said that their pet makes them feel less lonely and helps improve their mental health.

Annual report shows the vital support that pets provide during pandemic

Findings from the annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report have shown that pets will be the only companion for millions of people this Christmas.

The PAW Report is produced in collaboration with YouGov and has tracked pet wellbeing in the UK for the last decade. It states that 2.8 million UK pet owners live in a single-person household.

Many of these owners are often elderly or vulnerable – both groups which are already at risk of facing isolation at Christmas. But with stricter COVID-19 restrictions still in place in many parts of the country, the likelihood of millions spending Christmas alone is increased.

Research published in the PAW Report also showed that 54 per cent of dog owners and 45 per cent of cat owners said that their pet had been a lifeline for them during lockdown. 18 million pet owners said that their pet makes them feel less lonely and helps to improve their mental health.

PDSA is concerned that the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will result in more people being unable to afford pet care across Christmas. The PAW Report states that 1.2 million UK pet owners stated they were more likely to register for veterinary care from charities during lockdown, if they became eligible.

For this reason PDSA is asking for help in supporting it's Pet Care Crisis Emergency Appeal, which aims to raise vital funds to help the charity continue treating animals across what will certainly be a difficult winter.

Sean Wensley, a senior veterinary surgeon for PDSA, said: “We know that pets make many owners feel mentally healthier, but the PAW Report findings also demonstrate how vulnerable many pet owners are when their financial circumstances change and their pet needs emergency treatment.

“PDSA is the safety net there to support the UK’s most vulnerable pets and their owners who love them dearly. The wellbeing of hundreds of thousands depend on our ability to help during times of crisis.” 

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.