mypetfriends.co.uk

Following a nationwide search to find the UK’s top veterinary professionals for 2010, Petplan, the UK’s favourite pet insurance provider, has announced the winners of the prestigious Veterinary Awards. 
-

The Petplan Veterinary Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the veterinary world, recognise and applaud staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation’s pets, and their owners.  
- 

Popular bingo channel reveals pampering habits of our pet-loving nation
-

Britain’s pets are living the high life, according to research revealed today by Gala TV to celebrate the bingo channel’s eagerly awaited ‘Pet Hour’ during April. 
-
With half of the nation’s pet owners letting their furry friends sleep in their beds and another 49 per cent opting to sit on the floor while their pets lounge in comfort on the sofa, it seems we are definitely a nation of dedicated pet lovers.
-

The British Horse Society has issued the key points of its proposed response to the Government’s draft Animal Health Bill.  The draft Bill would establish a new Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), the 'Animal Health Organisation' (AHO), to take over responsibility from Defra for animal health policy and delivery in England. However, this would not include welfare, which would remain with Defra.
-

The issue of making dog owners microchip their pets has been one that has been at the forefront of news in the past month, with a report by the Dogs Trust and Kennel Club recommending that all owners do so to help avoid problems with inbreeding. The government also stepped on the microchipping bandwagon earlier this month, calling for enforced third-party insurance and microchipping of dogs. Whilst this was later retracted, the issue of compulsory microchipping is one that hasn’t gone away.
-

-

If you’ve ever lost a pet you’ll understand how upsetting and unbearable the loss can be, and new research shows that for many Britons its like losing a beloved relative or parent.
-

Research from leading pet insurance firm More than, revealed that more than half of the respondents in their survey of over 1300 British dog and cat lovers said the event was equally as heartbreaking as losing a close family member such as an aunt, uncle or grand parent.  A third went further comparing it to the death or a parent, sibling or spouse.
-

Vets are warning against widespread concern and panic after press reports that there will be a significant threat of rabies to the UK when rules for pet travel are harmonised across Europe. In a letter to the Veterinary Record Dr Paul Burr and his colleagues at the Biobest Laboratories, which carries out serology tests for rabies, warn against any relaxation of the current rules for animals entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
-

We all know how important it is to insure your pet – should the worse happen and you’re faced with expensive veterinary bills, it is always reassuring to know that they will be covered by your policy. However, finding good pet insurance isn’t as easy as you may imagine, and there are different types of policy out there which may or may not be right for you and your pet.
-
As with any type of insurance, pet insurance policies can differ greatly from one another. Before you put pen to paper and sign on the dotted line, take your time to read through all the fine print. Make sure you fully understand exactly what the policy grants you, exactly what you are covered for, and if there are any exclusions which may affect you. Don’t be afraid to ask the insurance company to clarify any points that you don’t understand – after all, this is a legally binding contract you are about to sign. In order to make an informed decision, you should be aware of any potential pitfalls that may occur in the future, and your insurance company should be more than happy you answer any questions you may have.
-

The search is on for the nation’s Top Cat as charity Cats Protection launches its prestigious Rescue Cat Awards 2010, sponsored by Purina PetCare – and organisers are on the prowl for nominations.
-

Dubbed the “Feline Oscars” the awards are designed to celebrate the real life stories of survival, bravery and heroism in the cat world and are open to any living cat rescued as a stray by its current owner or adopted from an animal welfare organisation.
-

Owners have until 27 May to enter one of the four categories:
-

• Hero Cat – Cats that save the day!
• Ultimate Survivor – Tales of feline survival against the odds
• Best Friends – Where a best feline friend has radically improved the quality of human life
• Most Incredible Story – Belief-defying, true stories from the cat world

-