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Dogs Make You Happy!
Ben Fogle says his relationship with his dog has brought him many happy moments, including an introduction to his now wife, Marina.
Findings from a recent poll of 1,000 of the UK's seven million dog owners, reveal that simply by spending time with the family dog, dog owners feel more relaxed and less stressed (55%), happier and more optimistic (44%), and less occupied with every day worries and problems (44%).

The findings also reveal two thirds (67%) claim walking the dog is the best quality time they spend with their family – more than watching TV, eating dinner or even going on holiday together.

The research is supported by a study conducted by Mindlab International. Using monitoring equipment and stressor tests to compare the effect different relaxation techniques have on family members, the study proves the simple act of petting the family dog is the most effective method of lowering stress within families – beating other popular methods of relaxation such as reading and listening to music.

Those polled also identified many other benefits associated with owning a dog, including the sense of responsibility (54%) and care (41%) that owning a dog instills in young family members, as well as the role dogs play in getting families off the couch and outside being active (54%).

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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...
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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.