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Loving pets more than partners
Survey among pet owners reveals loyalties

A survey has found that more than a third of British people "sometimes" love their pet more than their partner.

While 35 per cent said their pet only trumps their partner some of the time, 19 per cent said they love their pet more than their partner always.

Women were found to be more soft on their pets and 38 per cent of the owners surveyed admitted that they spend more time with their pet than anyone else in their life.

The survey also revealed that pet insurance is more important than life insurance to owners, with 56 per cent having insured their four-legged friend, compared with just half that had taken out life insurance.

Furthermore, men and women alike responded that they have included a pet or animal charity in their will.

The most commonly-owned pet is dogs, according to the survey, with 58 per cent – closely followed by cats, with 42 per cent.

Fish came third, accounting for 15 per cent of pets, and reptiles are now more popular than birds with four per cent and three per cent respectively.

The survey, conducted by DiscountVouchers.co.uk, finally found that British pet owners will spend up to £50 a month on their furry, feathered and scaly friends.

"It's no surprise that Britain remains a nation of pet lovers, but it's interesting to see how committed to our pets we've become," said the website's CEO, Gareth Robinson.

"What does surprise me is that people are more likely to have pet insurance than they are to have life insurance. Clearly the wellbeing of the nation's pets is a high priority."

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.