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Blue Cross launches new Big Pet Census
The survey is open until 7 July.
Pet owners urged to help inform the charity’s work.

Blue Cross is asking pet owners in the UK to take part in the charity’s Big Pet Census.

The survey, which is open until 7 July 2024, covers a wide range of topics, from animal welfare issues to how people celebrate their pet’s birthday.

The results will help the charity to better understand the UK’s pet population and shape the support it offers to pets and their owners.

Blue Cross helps thousands of pets and people in the UK each month with a range of services including veterinary care, behaviour advice, pet loss support, and rehoming services. Since it began in 1897, the charity estimates that it has helped more than 38 million pets and their owners.

This will be the second time the census has been held after it was first launched in 2022. The previous Big Pet Census revealed both positives and also areas of concern. While 95 per cent of owners considered their pet as part of their family, 17 per cent of owners said they had not met their pet before they purchased them.

Chris Burghes, CEO of Blue Cross, said: “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 fill in the survey, visit the Blue Cross website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.