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Bristol Vet School seeks prospective dog owners
The UK Dog Project will follow the owners and their dogs over several years.
Study to explore dog ownership as an overall journey

Researchers at Bristol Veterinary School are seeking prospective dog owners for the first in-depth study into the special relationship between dogs and their owners.

Members of the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group would like to hear from people thinking about getting a dog, or those thinking about adding another dog to their family, between now and August 2020.

The UK Dog Project will follow the owners and their dogs over several years, from before getting a dog and then throughout the dog’s life, to learn what affects people’s decisions to get a dog and how the dog-owner relationship develops.

Researchers say the overall aim of the study is to better understand these relationships and the factors that affect them.

“This is an exciting new study that promises to tell us much more about the lives of dogs and their new owners,” explained Nicola Rooney, lecturer and research group supervisor. “We are extremely keen to get as many people involved as possible, so if you, or anyone you know, have any thoughts of getting a new dog, please do fill in the questionnaire."

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting a dog and would like to take part in this study, please visit the UK Dog Project questionnaire. 

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.