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Blue Cross launches new Big Pet Census
The survey is open until 7 July.
Pet owners urged to help inform the charity’s work.

Blue Cross is asking pet owners in the UK to take part in the charity’s Big Pet Census.

The survey, which is open until 7 July 2024, covers a wide range of topics, from animal welfare issues to how people celebrate their pet’s birthday.

The results will help the charity to better understand the UK’s pet population and shape the support it offers to pets and their owners.

Blue Cross helps thousands of pets and people in the UK each month with a range of services including veterinary care, behaviour advice, pet loss support, and rehoming services. Since it began in 1897, the charity estimates that it has helped more than 38 million pets and their owners.

This will be the second time the census has been held after it was first launched in 2022. The previous Big Pet Census revealed both positives and also areas of concern. While 95 per cent of owners considered their pet as part of their family, 17 per cent of owners said they had not met their pet before they purchased them.

Chris Burghes, CEO of Blue Cross, said: “No one knows your pet quite like you do and now you can share your knowledge to help make this an even better world for pets and the people who love them by taking part in our Big Pet Census.

“Your responses to the census will help us learn as much as possible about pet ownership to inform our work to improve pet welfare and support people.”

To fill in the survey, visit the Blue Cross website.

Image © Shutterstock

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.