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National Pet Month gets underway
The theme of this year's event is Pets and People: Caring for Each Other.
Event will focus on the five pet welfare needs. 

As National Pet Month gets underway (April 1 – May 3), the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) is calling on veterinary professionals to support each other as the nation slowly eases out of lockdown. 

This year’s campaign focuses on the five animal welfare needs and the physical and mental health benefits of pets, as well as the tireless work of the veterinary profession throughout the pandemic. 

NOAH chief executive, Dawn Howard, said: “In these challenging times, it’s so important for us to support each other as well as pet owners and the animals in our care. 

“Focusing on the five pet welfare needs of Companionship, Behaviour, Diet, Health and Environment, the positive impact of pets on our health and the dedication of our veterinary colleagues, and other pet professionals is a firm foundation for our campaign.”

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Pets and People: Caring for Each Other’ - and practices are being urged to share the hashtags #NationalPetMonth21 or #NPM21 on their social media posts, tagging National Pet Month and other relevant organisations. 

The campaign will explore the unique challenges of returning to work, including tips on developing pet-friendly office policies. With pet obesity on the rise, organisers will also provide advice and support to ensure pets are eating well throughout their lifetimes. 

Vaccinations, worming, and other vital care from veterinary professionals will go under the spotlight, with tips and advice for owners to help keep their animals happy and healthy. 

The final week of National Pet Month will highlight efforts to change policy and make pet-friendly rental accommodation the norm, as well as offer advice to new and young pet owners who might be struggling.

A National Pet Month spokesperson said: “National Pet Month is all about collaboration and engagement – working together to celebrate our pets and make their lives better. If you’re planning on creating social content around these five key areas, please tag us in on social media so we can spread the responsible pet ownership message together.”

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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.