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New data highlights scale of pet-friendly rental issue
73 per cent of tenants currently own or aspire to own a pet, with one in three saying that pets help their mental wellbeing.
Half of tenants fear never owning a home.

New data from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has found that one in two tenants fear they will never buy a home, limiting aspirations of pet ownership.

The charity, which often takes in pets from people who cannot find pet-friendly accommodation, is campaigning for more pet-friendly attitudes in the rented sector, allowing tenants to enjoy the mental wellbeing that owning a pet provides.

With the number of households occupied by private renters almost doubling in size over the last two decades, only 7 per cent of private landlords have listed their properties as allowing animals. 

Battersea's chief executive, Peter Laurie, discussed the issue: “At Battersea, we take in much-loved pets for many reasons – but one factor we see owners cite time and time again is not being able to find a rental property that allows animals. 

“It’s heart-breaking to see owners having to give up their cherished pets for lack of housing options.

“With long-term renting firmly on the rise, we’re calling on the Government to do more to increase the number of pet friendly homes across the country. 

“Not only will this help ensure more dogs and cats are able to stay in their original, loving homes, it will also allow more people to enjoy the many benefits of responsible pet ownership.”

Among other suggestions, Battersea has recommended that more landlords and tenants should be informed on the benefits of taking out insurance against pet damage. 

Further information on Battersea's Pet Friendly Properties campaign can be found here

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."