National pet charity, Blue Cross, is reaching out to the nation’s pet lovers to find out just how obsessed we really are with our furry friends, after the charity’s last Pet Census revealed that 95% of owners see their pet as part of their family. Launching a nationwide survey – The Big Pet Census – people will be asked to reveal how they celebrate their pet’s Birthday, what they wish their dog would say to them if they could talk, and even if they share with a bed with their favourite companion, as well as much more. The survey will be open between 29 May – 7 July 2024 and can be accessed via https://www.bluecross.org.uk/census-press.
The Big Pet Census will help the charity better understand the UK’s 36 million-strong pet population[i] and the role pets play in their owners’ lives, shaping the support that the charity offers to pets and their families.
The online survey asks everything from views on the pressing animal welfare issues of our time to questions about how owners show their pets that they love them and how their pets demonstrate that reciprocal love. Blue Cross is also keen to find out how having a pet improves lives. Participants of the survey will also be automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of three Amazon vouchers worth £50.[ii]
Chris Burghes CEO at Blue Cross said: “We are really proud to have changed millions of lives in our 125-year history but the need for our help is growing all the time.
“No one knows your pet quite like you do and now you can share your knowledge to help make this an even better world for pets and the people who love them by taking part in our Big Pet Census. Your responses to the census will help us learn as much as possible about pet ownership to inform our work to improve pet welfare and support people.”
Every month, Blue Cross helps thousands of pets and people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and finds homeless cats, dogs, small animals and horses happy homes. Set up in 1897, it is estimated that Blue Cross has helped over 38 million pets and people.
The charity formed to help vulnerable pets and their owners and we continue this work today across our rehoming, clinical, animal behaviour, pet bereavement support and educational work. We are striving to be able to help even more pets in the future live healthy lives in happy homes. Blue Cross relies on the support and donations of pet lovers to continue our vital work, to find out more and make a donation visit www.bluecross.org.uk.