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Scheme to support pet owners in social housing launched
Recent research found that only 46 per cent of private landlords allowed pets.
Dogs Trust and housing association aim to make it easier for tenants to keep pets.

A new pilot scheme has been launched in Edinburgh to help people living in social housing to keep a pet.

The scheme, a collaboration between the charity Dogs Trust and Manor Estates Housing Association, will see the housing provider review its policies and procedures and implement pet-friendly changes.

A Pet Friendly Housing Toolkit will also be developed. This will provide a set of guidelines that other social landlords can follow to support pet owners and remove barriers to pet ownership.

A lack of pet-friendly rental accommodation is a significant contributor to people having to give up their pets. In July of this year, 15 per cent of people who contacted Dogs Trust about rehoming their pet cited issues with housing as a reason.

Research carried out by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection found that only 46 per cent of private landlords allowed pets, and just 30 per cent of tenants said that their private landlord would allow a dog.

Maxine, who rents a property from Manor Estates and lives with her two dogs, said: “My dogs are such a huge part of my life. They are my companions, play a big role in my daily routine and are great company.

“I have previously tried to find private rented accommodation but have found most landlords have a blanket ‘no dogs’ policy and weren’t willing to compromise, despite my dog being well behaved. This is such a shame, especially in this day and age when so many people live alone; dogs are a great source of companionship, and really good for your mental health.”

Jennifer Leonard, from Dogs Trust’s Pet-Friendly Housing Team, added: “For most owners, being separated from their pet is no different from being separated from a family member, so we are delighted to join forces with Manor Estates and, with the support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, pilot pet friendly policies which can be adapted and used by other landlords in the future, helping to keep more dogs and owners together.” 

Image © Dogs Trust

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."