News

Poultry pet owners reminded to keep birds safe as bird flu returns to UK

The RSPCA has issued important advice to poultry pet owners ahead of the winter months to help keep their birds safe from the spread of avian influenza.

As migratory wild waterfowl, including ducks and geese, are now returning to the UK over winter, the risk of avian influenza unfortunately increases. The RSPCA therefore urges people with backyard flocks to ensure they are following the UK and...

Flea season isn't over: why September could be the month to check your home

Flea season is here and growing concern among pet owners is showing, with UK searches for “symptoms of fleas in cats” soaring by 4,150% over the past month.

While fleas are often seen as a problem for pets, an infestation can quickly spread throughout the home, with eggs and larvae hiding in soft furnishings such as carpets, sofas, bedding and even curtains. With peak flea activity...

Dog walkers could face an unlimited fine or prison over this little-known rule

Dog walkers with multiple dogs could be breaking the law without realising it, according to new guidance from UK pet accessory brand TopDog.

While there is no legal limit on how many dogs one person can walk, councils across England and Wales increasingly use Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to cap the number at between four-six dogs per walker. Breaching a PSPO carries a £100...

Pet owners unprepared for one of the hardest decisions they may face, new research reveals

For many British pet owners, the difficult decision to euthanise a beloved pet is one they are likely to encounter. Yet new research reveals that many are reaching that moment without knowing about the options available to them.

A nationwide survey by pet euthanasia and aftercare provider Vets at Home, conducted in conjunction with Pet Database, has exposed a major information gap...

two cute dogs sitting on a sofa

Animal lovers to join together on National Pet Memorial Day

The RSPCA’s Walk to Remember returns this autumn, calling animal lovers together to honour pets who have passed.

Walk To Remember is a flexible fundraising event where individuals, families and communities walk In Memory of a beloved pet on National Pet Memorial Day - on Sunday 13th September 2026.

Last year more than 900 people came together through Walk to Remember to...

Nationwide pet parasite roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners across the UK

MSD Animal Health has announced The Big Pet Parasite Check, a nationwide roadshow of pop-up vet stations, offering free personalised parasite risk assessments and one-to-one flea and tick checks with veterinary experts to dog owners across the UK.

Visting six dog-friendly events across the UK from summer through to winter, these pop-ups will help owners to understand how factors such...

Hard-hitting documentary to highlight pet health issues released by RSPCA

The RSPCA has released a new documentary to highlight the plight of pets who have been selectively bred to have exaggerated physical features.

The documentary - ‘Flawed by design: the hidden cost of the ‘perfect’ pet’ - was released on Youtube last week, fronted by reality TV personality, Olivia Bowen.

It comes as the RSPCA launches a new strategy report - The Shape of...

RSPCA welcomes Royal Mail’s new stamps in celebration of Britain’s pets

The RSPCA has welcomed Royal Mail’s new set of Special Stamps celebrating some of the nation’s best-loved pets - and is encouraging anyone inspired to welcome an animal into their family to consider rehoming.

The 10-stamp collection features a range of much-loved companion animals, of dogs, cats, rabbits*, guinea pigs, hamsters, budgerigar, cockatiel, fish and fancy rats* - animals...

Pawsome Pooch is back at Clarks Village

The Pawsome Pooch event will be held at the Somerset shopping outlet on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September, with the hunt to find the region’s top dog to become its next CEO – Canine Executive Officer.

As well as offering free professional photo shoots for pups, Clarks Village is hosting complimentary pet pampering, dog trick training, have-a-go agility sessions, and pick ‘n’...

Charity reeling with unwanted kittens boom ‘Unprecedented’ numbers of abandoned and unplanned litters needing urgent care

Blue Cross is calling on cat owners in Devon to neuter their pets to avoid the hundreds of unplanned litters of kittens needing the charity’s care.

The charity is facing a hidden pet welfare crisis due to the ongoing cost of living crisis and is concerned that pet owners are not neutering their pet to avoid vet fees. There are also concerns that owners may be deliberately breeding...

Burgess Excel backs 20 rabbit rescues for 20 years of  Rabbit Awareness Week 

Burgess Excel is marking 20 years of Rabbit Awareness Week by donating food to 20 rabbit rescues across the UK, as centres continue to face growing pressure.

This initiative will see Burgess Excel provide each rescue with 20kg of hay and 20kg of rabbit nuggets – 800kg of food in total – to support the day‑to‑day care of rabbits who are waiting for new homes.

Rescues...