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Blue Cross launches Big Pet Census
The Big Pet Census will help to shape the support Blue Cross offers to pets and owners.

The charity is urging pet owners to take part. 

National animal welfare charity Blue Cross is encouraging pet owners to take part in its Big Pet Census, marking the organisation's 125th anniversary.

The census, taking the form of an online survey, will help Blue Cross to learn more about the UK's pets, and the human-animal bond. 

Questions asked on the census include how owners show their pets love, and how pets demonstrate reciprocal love. Participants are also asked about their views on the UK pet industry, what welfare they provide for their pets, and whether they feel that their pet was a support to them during the COVID-19 pandemic, among other topics.

The results of the census will be used by the charity to shape and inform the support it offers to pets and families, and will be shared publicly for a wider understanding of the UK's 34 million pets, and the roles they play in their owners' lives. 

Encouraging pet owners to complete the census, Chris Burghes, CEO at Blue Cross, said: “We are really proud to have changed millions of lives in our 125-year history but the need for our help is growing all the time.

“No one knows your pet quite like you do and now you can share your knowledge to help make this an even better world for pets and the people who love them by taking part in our Big Pet Census. 

“Your responses to the census will help us learn as much as possible about pet ownership to inform our work to improve pet welfare and support people.”

To find out more about why the Blue Cross is holding The Big Pet Census 2022, or to fill in the census, visit the Blue Cross website here.  

 

Image (C) Blue Cross

 

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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."