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.
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
Loving pets more than partners
Survey among pet owners reveals loyalties

A survey has found that more than a third of British people "sometimes" love their pet more than their partner.

While 35 per cent said their pet only trumps their partner some of the time, 19 per cent said they love their pet more than their partner always.

Women were found to be more soft on their pets and 38 per cent of the owners surveyed admitted that they spend more time with their pet than anyone else in their life.

The survey also revealed that pet insurance is more important than life insurance to owners, with 56 per cent having insured their four-legged friend, compared with just half that had taken out life insurance.

Furthermore, men and women alike responded that they have included a pet or animal charity in their will.

The most commonly-owned pet is dogs, according to the survey, with 58 per cent – closely followed by cats, with 42 per cent.

Fish came third, accounting for 15 per cent of pets, and reptiles are now more popular than birds with four per cent and three per cent respectively.

The survey, conducted by DiscountVouchers.co.uk, finally found that British pet owners will spend up to £50 a month on their furry, feathered and scaly friends.

"It's no surprise that Britain remains a nation of pet lovers, but it's interesting to see how committed to our pets we've become," said the website's CEO, Gareth Robinson.

"What does surprise me is that people are more likely to have pet insurance than they are to have life insurance. Clearly the wellbeing of the nation's pets is a high priority."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.