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Dogs Trust launches this year's National Dog Survey
The survey has been held annually since 2021.
Owners have until 14 June to give their answers.

The charity Dogs Trust is asking dog owners across the UK to take part in this year’s National Dog Survey.

The survey asks owners about their relationship with their dog, their dog's care and training, and any support networks that they call on when help is needed. The results of the annual survey will inform the services and support the charity offers to dog owners.

Last year, 244,478 owners completed the survey, providing information on 348,533 dogs. The results led to Dogs Trust launching its Behaviour Support Line, which offers free advice about dog training and behaviour.

The 2023 survey also provided evidence of the pandemic puppy boom, revealing a large rise in the number of dogs aged one and two years old.  

Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “The National Dog Survey is the largest dog census in the UK, and around a quarter of a million owners responded last year. But, with over a third of UK households now owning a dog, we want to hear from even more this year so we can gain as many insights as possible about dog ownership in the UK, helping us to shape our support for dog owners and improve dog welfare.

“Dogs Trust has been around for over 130 years and in that time so much has changed when it comes to dog ownership. The insights gained from this year’s survey will ensure Dogs Trust can continue to adapt the way we support dogs and their owners, helping them to live the best lives possible together.”

The survey, which is open until 14 June 2024, can be completed on the Dogs Trust website.

Image © Dogs Trust

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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.