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Pet-owning households rise by 600,000
Households with both children and dogs now number 2.3 million - an upswing of 11 per cent.
Increase in dog ownership ‘driven by families’ - PFMA

The number of pet-owning households in the UK has risen by 600,000 this year, according to new figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).

Based on interviews with 8,000 households, PFMA estimates that nearly half of UK households now own a pet (45 per cent), equating to a total of 13 million households.

Over a quarter (26 per cent) own a dog, which is 300,000 more than the previous survey and brings the UK dog population up to nine million.

It is appears that the rise in dog ownership is driven by families, as households with both children and dogs now number 2.3 million - an upswing of 11 per cent.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “We have long known that dogs are man’s best friend and it is positive to see an increase in the number of households with children also sharing their lives with dogs.

“Owning a dog can have so many benefits for families and our hugely successful Be Dog Smart campaign is packed full of advice and information to ensure this harmonious relationship continues.”

Cats have also seen a spike in popularity, with eight million now being kept as pets - the highest level in five years. Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of households own a cat, the figures suggest.

The top 10 pets are:
  • Dogs - nine million
  • Cats - eight million
  • Rabbits - 900,000
  • Indoor birds - 500,000
  • Domestic fowl - 500,000
  • Guinea pigs - 400,000
  • Hamsters - 300,000
  • Tortoises and turtles - 300,000
  • Lizards - 200,000
  • Snakes - 200,000

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk