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Regional trends in pet ownership
Research finds Britain's dog and cat-loving populations

Petlog, the UK's largest lost and found database for microchipped pets, has released findings about regional trends in animal ownership.

Most notably, the database found that those from the north are bigger dog lovers and those from the south are bigger cat lovers.

The research was conducted as part of National Microchipping Month, which is run by Petlog every June, and has done so for 10 years.

It found that 65 per cent of pet owners in the north-east had a dog, compared with the national average 53 per cent, and 60 per cent of pet owners in the south-east had a cat, compared with the national average 54 per cent.

Owners living in the north-west, however, were most likely to be reunited with their pet if separated, as the region had the highest percentage of microchipped pets at 60 per cent.

Meanwhile, only about half of pets in the north-east were microchipped.

Petlog Executive Celia Walsom said: "The survey identified areas of the country that are most knowledgeable about microchipping and where there is a lack of awareness and knowledge, and now we need to see how we can improve this."

National Microchipping Month is aimed at raising the profile of microchipping and its benefits by educating pet owners about how it works, the need to keep contact details up to date, as well as how to make the most of the database.

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.