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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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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."