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GPs "would prescribe pets" to improve patient health
Elderly person with kitten
The majority of GPs said animals had improved patients' physical conditions.
Majority of family doctors say pets improve patients' mental and physical conditions

An overwhelming majority of family doctors and GPs say animals have improved their patients' physical condition, mental health and mood, according to the results of a new survey.

The online survey was the first of its kind to examine doctors' views and knowledge of the beneficial impact animals can have on human health. It was conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) in partnership with the Cohen Research Group.

Of the 1,000 doctors who took part, 69 per cent had worked with animals in hospitals, medical centres or practices. The majority said animals improved patients' physical condition (88 per cent), mental health (97 per cent), mood or outlook (98 per cent) and relationships with staff (76 per cent).

"Doctors and their patients really understand the human health benefits of pets and they are putting that understanding into practice," said HABRI executive director Steven Feldman.

Almost all (97 per cent) believe there are health benefits to owning a pet and three-quarters of the respondents said they had seen improvements in the overall health of at least one of their patients as a result of becoming a pet owner.

Many GPs had recommended a patient get a pet and almost three-quarters of them said they would "prescribe" pets to patients if medical evidence supported it.

"Time constraints" were reported as one of the major obstacles to discussing with patients the benefits of pets, however.

Mr Feldman added: "The science shows that pets can help with a wide range of health conditions - from heart health to depression to post traumatic stress disorder.

"HABRI hopes that this survey will help to break down the barriers and get more doctors and their patients talking about the important, scientifically-validated health benefits of pets."

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

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News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."