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Survey into emergency plans

Planning for pet care during unexpected absence

A survey by the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has found that just one in five pet owners have made plans for their pets' care in the event of an emergency.

In response, the charity has launched a campaign called Tails of the Unexpected, which is hoped to encourage pet owners to make contingency plans for such an eventuality.

The campaign will be aimed at the 80 per cent of owners who were found to have no such plan in place, particularly those with cats.
 
Despite the survey finding cats to be the most popular pet, it also revealed that just 18 per cent of their owners had made emergency arrangements for them. This figure compared with 28 per cent of dogs owners.

NAWT chief executive officer Clare Williams said: "Thinking about care for a pet in times of emergency is something many pet owners only consider in passing.

"Our new campaign aims to help people take the process one step further."

The campaign includes an online guide to take owners through the planning process, along with a set of pet lifestyle and care forms for owners to complete and keep safe with other important pet records.

"People want peace of mind knowing that their pet is in safe hands and that their routine is disrupted as little as possible while their owner is unexpectedly absent," explained Ms Williams.

"This is what our information pack will help with."

Image courtesy of NAWT

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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.