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Purr therapy
Elderly person and cat
Studies have shown that pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives.

How caring for pets is proven to boost mental health

We all know that pets can provide companionship, love and are a great source of motivation. But in recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that pets can also help us to live mentally healthier lives.

In December 2016, research by the University of Manchester found that pets can help with the management of long-term medical health conditions. In the study, 54 adults with severe mental illnesses were asked to rate the importance of their family, friends, pets, healthcare professionals and hobbies.

Interestingly, 60 per cent of participants stated that pets were 'most important' to them and 20 per cent said that pets were 'of secondary importance'. When asked to give their reasons, the participants said that the consistent presence of pets provided an immediate source of calm. Some also felt that their pets helped to distract them from their symptoms and offered valuable support during times of crisis. 

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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