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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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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.