Category Pets general

Are you planning to rehome your pets on Pets4Homes?

If you are, then it’s important to know that there’s an art to writing an effective ad that will get the attention of potential buyers. While there are many ways to showcase your pets, our research shows the best way is to write an advert that is informative, friendly, and focuses on pet welfare. 

We recently conducted a survey that asked people who found a new pet from Pets4Homes what they looked for in an advert. We have summarised thousands of responses to give you the best tips and tricks for optimising your advert!

 

What do people look for in an advert? 

Our survey indicates that the top three, controllable aspects of an advert that attract buyers are:

• Description preview
• Photos that show great pet welfare
• ID verified breeder or not

We’ll go through each of these in turn and talk about what makes a good description preview versus one that people avoid, the best photos to use, and why buyers want ID verification. 

Other important factors that decide whether someone will click on your advert or not are your location and the age of the pet. While your location can’t be helped and pet age is fixed, for those of you rehoming young pets, we recommend putting your litters up on Pets4Homes as soon as possible to give plenty of time to find the right home.  

 

How do I write a successful advert description preview?

The most important aspect of your ad is the description, according to our newest pet parents. From the search results page, people only see a small preview – usually the first 60 words or so. And for ads in the boosted section, people only see the first 30 words. 

This means you need to get the key information in the first part of your descriptions to encourage people to click your advert and read more. So what counts as ‘key information’ in people’s minds?

Well, according to Pets4Homes users it is health information and the availability of puppies. In addition, this info should be written clearly, with good spelling and grammar and in a friendly tone. 

That’s not to say that things like socialisation, family history, personality traits etc aren’t important. But these should come further down in the description for after someone clicks on your ad. 

Top description tips:

• Get any health info in the first 60 words of your description
• Update your advert description with availability of pets as you find new homes for them
• Write in full sentences with good spelling and punctuation! You can always get a friend or family member to proofread your article if you’re not confident with spelling and grammar. 
• Sound warm and approachable. Use happy descriptive words for your pets like beautiful, gorgeous, use words like ‘I’ or ‘we’ to sound friendly, and avoid warnings or ALL CAPS TEXT early in the description. 

 

What types of pictures attract viewers?

Pictures are essential to a successful ad as they provide a glimpse of what your pets are like and the environment they live in. Based on our survey, here are what people want to see when searching for their new pet.

 

The most important (and mandatory) photo you need for young pets is one with the puppies or kittens together with their mother. This shows that the litter has been brought up on your property and they are still with their mom as they’re supposed to be.

Top tips for your photos:

• If rehoming young pets – consider making your photo of them with their mother the cover photo for your advert – it instantly shows buyers you’re a responsible breeder.
• Include the environment your pets are living in your photos, people want to see your cosy, happy surroundings!
• Use a good phone camera in a well-lit location to get photos that are in focus
• Don’t shy away from showing all the pets together, playing and fooling around!
• A third of buyers find it helpful when photos show the gender of pets in your litter. You can do this by having the pups wear different colours and specifying their gender in your description. You can also add a text to the photo before uploading it.

Potential buyers want to feel safe

Our survey says a significant portion of people looking for a new pet think ID verification is another crucial step to finding the right person to rehome from. A prospective buyer wants to have peace of mind that they are interacting with a trustworthy and genuine person before any kind of financial transaction. ID verification adds that extra layer of security and can increase trust between you and potential buyers.

It only needs to be done once and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a piece of ID and your mobile phone camera. 

Did you know that you can also request potential buyers ID verify themselves too if you want that added piece of mind? 

You can learn more about ID verification here

ID verification

 

To summarise, writing an effective ad for your pet(s) requires a combination of a clear, informative description, photos showing the pets are well looked after, and trustworthy communication. 

We hope you found these tips helpful and that they help you find a loving new home for your pets! 

Edit your advert

 

Are you planning to rehome your pets on Pets4Homes?

If you are, then it’s important to know that there’s an art to writing an effective ad that will get the attention of potential buyers. While there are many ways to showcase your pets, our research shows the best way is to write an advert that is informative, friendly, and focuses on pet welfare. 

We recently conducted a survey that asked people who found a new pet from Pets4Homes what they looked for in an advert. We have summarised thousands of responses to give you the best tips and tricks for optimising your advert!

 

What do people look for in an advert? 

Our survey indicates that the top three, controllable aspects of an advert that attract buyers are:

• Description preview
• Photos that show great pet welfare
• ID verified breeder or not

We’ll go through each of these in turn and talk about what makes a good description preview versus one that people avoid, the best photos to use, and why buyers want ID verification. 

Other important factors that decide whether someone will click on your advert or not are your location and the age of the pet. While your location can’t be helped and pet age is fixed, for those of you rehoming young pets, we recommend putting your litters up on Pets4Homes as soon as possible to give plenty of time to find the right home.  

 

How do I write a successful advert description preview?

The most important aspect of your ad is the description, according to our newest pet parents. From the search results page, people only see a small preview – usually the first 60 words or so. And for ads in the boosted section, people only see the first 30 words. 

This means you need to get the key information in the first part of your descriptions to encourage people to click your advert and read more. So what counts as ‘key information’ in people’s minds?

Well, according to Pets4Homes users it is health information and the availability of puppies. In addition, this info should be written clearly, with good spelling and grammar and in a friendly tone. 

That’s not to say that things like socialisation, family history, personality traits etc aren’t important. But these should come further down in the description for after someone clicks on your ad. 

Top description tips:

• Get any health info in the first 60 words of your description
• Update your advert description with availability of pets as you find new homes for them
• Write in full sentences with good spelling and punctuation! You can always get a friend or family member to proofread your article if you’re not confident with spelling and grammar. 
• Sound warm and approachable. Use happy descriptive words for your pets like beautiful, gorgeous, use words like ‘I’ or ‘we’ to sound friendly, and avoid warnings or ALL CAPS TEXT early in the description. 

 

What types of pictures attract viewers?

Pictures are essential to a successful ad as they provide a glimpse of what your pets are like and the environment they live in. Based on our survey, here are what people want to see when searching for their new pet.

 

The most important (and mandatory) photo you need for young pets is one with the puppies or kittens together with their mother. This shows that the litter has been brought up on your property and they are still with their mom as they’re supposed to be.

Top tips for your photos:

• If rehoming young pets – consider making your photo of them with their mother the cover photo for your advert – it instantly shows buyers you’re a responsible breeder.
• Include the environment your pets are living in your photos, people want to see your cosy, happy surroundings!
• Use a good phone camera in a well-lit location to get photos that are in focus
• Don’t shy away from showing all the pets together, playing and fooling around!
• A third of buyers find it helpful when photos show the gender of pets in your litter. You can do this by having the pups wear different colours and specifying their gender in your description. You can also add a text to the photo before uploading it.

Potential buyers want to feel safe

Our survey says a significant portion of people looking for a new pet think ID verification is another crucial step to finding the right person to rehome from. A prospective buyer wants to have peace of mind that they are interacting with a trustworthy and genuine person before any kind of financial transaction. ID verification adds that extra layer of security and can increase trust between you and potential buyers.

It only needs to be done once and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a piece of ID and your mobile phone camera. 

Did you know that you can also request potential buyers ID verify themselves too if you want that added piece of mind? 

You can learn more about ID verification here

ID verification

 

To summarise, writing an effective ad for your pet(s) requires a combination of a clear, informative description, photos showing the pets are well looked after, and trustworthy communication. 

We hope you found these tips helpful and that they help you find a loving new home for your pets! 

Edit your advert

 

⌛️ 6 minutes read – 👀 12,000 views

 

Contents 

• Introduction to fennec foxes
• Is it legal to own a fennec fox in the UK?
• What are their personalities like?
• Are they smelly?
• Are they very time consuming to keep?
• Are they very noisy?
• Are they friendly?
• What is a baby fennec fox called?
• How much does a fennec fox cost?
• Interesting Fennec Fox Facts
• Where does a fennec fox live?
• What is Fennec Fox’s lifespan?
• What is Fennec Fox’s size?

 

Introduction to fennec foxes

The fennec fox is one of the smallest fox species in the world, and is native to the Sahara region of North Africa.

They are most distinctive for their uniquely large ears, which allow them to dissipate their body heat in hot weather. These little foxes weigh just 3.5lb at most, and have thick, soft stroke-able coats and lithe, agile builds.

In the wild, the fennec fox is nocturnal, but in captivity they have shown some ability to adapt their natural schedules to match their new lifestyles.

They are friendly, loving little animals with lots of energy, and can even be litter trained. However, they are still essentially wild animals and it is not really advised to keep them as a pet as they would be much happier in the wild in desert environments like where they originate from in North Africa. 

Their care requirements cannot be compared to that of the cat or the dog. If you wish to consider owning a fennec fox (or any other exotic pet) it is vital to do lots of research first, to ensure that you can care for them in the way that they need.

In this article, we will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about fennec fox ownership.

 

Is it legal to own a fennec fox in the UK?

Yes, it is indeed legal to keep a fennec fox as a pet, and you do not need a special licence to do so. However, it is worth talking to your neighbours and ensuring that they do not have a problem with it, and to carefully consider if your home and the surrounding area that you live in will prove a suitable environment for a fennec fox.

 

What are their personalities like?

While you cannot draw parallels between the fennec fox and pets like dogs and cats, they do have some traits in common. Their personalities and movements are somewhat cat-like, but with all of the energy and enthusiasm of the dog!

Fennec foxes spend about 15% of their time being highly active, 20% awake and chilling out, and the rest of their time asleep. They are personable and friendly, and bond with their owners, often proving very affectionate.

 

Are they smelly?

The fennec fox has rather pungent faeces, but they can be trained to use a litter box, and providing that this is not left to fester, should not prove offensive to the nose! The body of the fox itself is not strongly scented, and they are not considered to be a smelly pet.

However, they do have a scent gland at the tip of the tail that releases a strong, musky odour, but this usually only occurs if they are afraid or startled. This scent does not tend to hang around in the air, and should not prove overpowering.

 

Are they very time consuming to keep?

 

The fennec fox should not be considered to be a low-maintenance pet, and they will certainly take up plenty of your time in terms of playing with them, socialising them and keeping them entertained.

They do also spend a lot of time asleep, however, but when they are awake they are ready to play, and this trait does not diminish as they get older. They are also apt to get underfoot and zoom about, and due to their speed, size and silence, it is all too easy to inadvertently tread on them, something that you must be very careful about.

 

Are they very noisy?

Fennec foxes have a barking voice that is roughly similar to the dog, as well as a range of other sounds at their disposal including purring, growling and yipping. While some fennecs are fairly quiet, others are very vocal, and their favourite time to make a lot of noise is at night!

They will often greet you with excited yipping when you first get up, and may be very vocal when they are trying to encourage you to play with them!

 

Are they friendly?

In order to get a fennec tamed up, they need to spend plenty of time being socialised with people, particularly when they are young. Assuming that this has been done, they will very much enjoy being patted and played with, once they have got used to you.

They are intelligent animals that recognise different handlers and caregivers, and will bond with the people that spend the most time with them. They respond well to food and treats, which can speed up the bonding process somewhat!

As well as loving to play all sorts of games, when they finally quiet down, they like nothing more than falling asleep in your lap, where they can be petted like a cat.

 

What is a baby fennec fox called?

 

Baby fennec foxes are called kits, while a group of baby foxes is called a litter. Male fennec foxes are known as reynards, and females are called vixens.

Kits are born with their eyes and ears closed. The eyes open when they are about ten days old, and their ears flip up at around the same time. Newborn babies don’t walk until they are about two weeks old.

 

What does a fennec fox eat?

Fennecs are omnivores, so they will eat anything you put in front of them, be it hot, sweet, meaty or bland! In the wild, they mostly eat leaves, roots, and fruits, but they can also eat insects, rodents, and even small reptiles.

However, it is essential to feed them a balanced diet and spend plenty of time researching their dietary needs. Fennec fox diet should be nutritionally complete, with plenty of protein and vegetables to keep them healthy.

 

How much does a fennec fox cost?

Fennec fox price depends on many factors and typically starts from $2,500. This is because they have particular nutritional needs and also can only produce a few litters of kits each year. They are also harder to come by than other small pets, and the foxes are often shipped from overseas.

Fennec Foxes are unique animals. They eat special diets and require experienced pet owners. It’s crucial to do research before bringing one of these adorable creatures into your home.

 

Interesting Fennec Fox Facts

 

Fennec fox ears are half of their body size

They may be small in size, but their ears can measure half the length of their body. These large ears help the animals regulate their internal temperature and radiate excess heat during hot days. (A-Z Animals)

 

Fennec foxes can breathe 690 times per minute

They have some of the fastest panting rates of any animal. In the summer, fennec foxes pant and inhale at a rate of 100 breaths per minute, which can be compared to that of a human’s resting breathing rate (14 breaths per minute). 

 

Fennecs can survive without open water

Fennec foxes get all the water they need from the insects, rodents, reptiles, and eggs they consume. They can go years without drinking from a water source.

 

Fennec foxes are vocal animals

Fennec foxes are known for their ability to make a wide variety of sounds. These vocalizations consist of squeaks, barks, whimpers, and growls, as well as clicks, squeals, and other noises.

 

Where does a fennec fox live?

 

Fennec foxes live in the Sahara Desert and other regions of Northern Africa. They are found in sandy desert areas with sparse vegetation, as well as rocky terrain. (National Georgaphic)

Stable dunes are considered the ideal fennec fox habitat, which subsists in arid desert environments. The fox is capable of inhabiting the remotest sand seas and, as was mentioned before, can survive without water longer than many other animals.

 

What is Fennec Fox’s lifespan?

The fennec fox has an average lifespan of 10 years in the wild, though it can live as long as 14 years in captivity. The oldest captive fennec foxes ever recorded were a male fennec – 14 years old, and the oldest female – 13 years.

 

What is Fennec Fox’s size?

The fennec fox is characterized as the smallest canid. Females are, on average in head-to-body size, around 35.8 cm (14.1 inches) with 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 inches) long tail and 9 cm (3.5 inches) long ears, and weigh 1–2 kg (2.2–4.2 lb). 

Males usually are slightly higher and, on average, in head-to-body size are around 39 cm (15.4 inches) with a 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in) long tail and 10 cm (3.9 in) long ears, weighing at least 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). (Wikipedia)

⌛️ 6 minutes read – 👀 12,000 views

 

Contents 

• Introduction to fennec foxes
• Is it legal to own a fennec fox in the UK?
• What are their personalities like?
• Are they smelly?
• Are they very time consuming to keep?
• Are they very noisy?
• Are they friendly?
• What is a baby fennec fox called?
• How much does a fennec fox cost?
• Interesting Fennec Fox Facts
• Where does a fennec fox live?
• What is Fennec Fox’s lifespan?
• What is Fennec Fox’s size?

 

Introduction to fennec foxes

The fennec fox is one of the smallest fox species in the world, and is native to the Sahara region of North Africa.

They are most distinctive for their uniquely large ears, which allow them to dissipate their body heat in hot weather. These little foxes weigh just 3.5lb at most, and have thick, soft stroke-able coats and lithe, agile builds.

In the wild, the fennec fox is nocturnal, but in captivity they have shown some ability to adapt their natural schedules to match their new lifestyles.

They are friendly, loving little animals with lots of energy, and can even be litter trained. However, they are still essentially wild animals and it is not really advised to keep them as a pet as they would be much happier in the wild in desert environments like where they originate from in North Africa. 

Their care requirements cannot be compared to that of the cat or the dog. If you wish to consider owning a fennec fox (or any other exotic pet) it is vital to do lots of research first, to ensure that you can care for them in the way that they need.

In this article, we will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about fennec fox ownership.

 

Is it legal to own a fennec fox in the UK?

Yes, it is indeed legal to keep a fennec fox as a pet, and you do not need a special licence to do so. However, it is worth talking to your neighbours and ensuring that they do not have a problem with it, and to carefully consider if your home and the surrounding area that you live in will prove a suitable environment for a fennec fox.

 

What are their personalities like?

While you cannot draw parallels between the fennec fox and pets like dogs and cats, they do have some traits in common. Their personalities and movements are somewhat cat-like, but with all of the energy and enthusiasm of the dog!

Fennec foxes spend about 15% of their time being highly active, 20% awake and chilling out, and the rest of their time asleep. They are personable and friendly, and bond with their owners, often proving very affectionate.

 

Are they smelly?

The fennec fox has rather pungent faeces, but they can be trained to use a litter box, and providing that this is not left to fester, should not prove offensive to the nose! The body of the fox itself is not strongly scented, and they are not considered to be a smelly pet.

However, they do have a scent gland at the tip of the tail that releases a strong, musky odour, but this usually only occurs if they are afraid or startled. This scent does not tend to hang around in the air, and should not prove overpowering.

 

Are they very time consuming to keep?

 

The fennec fox should not be considered to be a low-maintenance pet, and they will certainly take up plenty of your time in terms of playing with them, socialising them and keeping them entertained.

They do also spend a lot of time asleep, however, but when they are awake they are ready to play, and this trait does not diminish as they get older. They are also apt to get underfoot and zoom about, and due to their speed, size and silence, it is all too easy to inadvertently tread on them, something that you must be very careful about.

 

Are they very noisy?

Fennec foxes have a barking voice that is roughly similar to the dog, as well as a range of other sounds at their disposal including purring, growling and yipping. While some fennecs are fairly quiet, others are very vocal, and their favourite time to make a lot of noise is at night!

They will often greet you with excited yipping when you first get up, and may be very vocal when they are trying to encourage you to play with them!

 

Are they friendly?

In order to get a fennec tamed up, they need to spend plenty of time being socialised with people, particularly when they are young. Assuming that this has been done, they will very much enjoy being patted and played with, once they have got used to you.

They are intelligent animals that recognise different handlers and caregivers, and will bond with the people that spend the most time with them. They respond well to food and treats, which can speed up the bonding process somewhat!

As well as loving to play all sorts of games, when they finally quiet down, they like nothing more than falling asleep in your lap, where they can be petted like a cat.

 

What is a baby fennec fox called?

 

Baby fennec foxes are called kits, while a group of baby foxes is called a litter. Male fennec foxes are known as reynards, and females are called vixens.

Kits are born with their eyes and ears closed. The eyes open when they are about ten days old, and their ears flip up at around the same time. Newborn babies don’t walk until they are about two weeks old.

 

What does a fennec fox eat?

Fennecs are omnivores, so they will eat anything you put in front of them, be it hot, sweet, meaty or bland! In the wild, they mostly eat leaves, roots, and fruits, but they can also eat insects, rodents, and even small reptiles.

However, it is essential to feed them a balanced diet and spend plenty of time researching their dietary needs. Fennec fox diet should be nutritionally complete, with plenty of protein and vegetables to keep them healthy.

 

How much does a fennec fox cost?

Fennec fox price depends on many factors and typically starts from $2,500. This is because they have particular nutritional needs and also can only produce a few litters of kits each year. They are also harder to come by than other small pets, and the foxes are often shipped from overseas.

Fennec Foxes are unique animals. They eat special diets and require experienced pet owners. It’s crucial to do research before bringing one of these adorable creatures into your home.

 

Interesting Fennec Fox Facts

 

Fennec fox ears are half of their body size

They may be small in size, but their ears can measure half the length of their body. These large ears help the animals regulate their internal temperature and radiate excess heat during hot days. (A-Z Animals)

 

Fennec foxes can breathe 690 times per minute

They have some of the fastest panting rates of any animal. In the summer, fennec foxes pant and inhale at a rate of 100 breaths per minute, which can be compared to that of a human’s resting breathing rate (14 breaths per minute). 

 

Fennecs can survive without open water

Fennec foxes get all the water they need from the insects, rodents, reptiles, and eggs they consume. They can go years without drinking from a water source.

 

Fennec foxes are vocal animals

Fennec foxes are known for their ability to make a wide variety of sounds. These vocalizations consist of squeaks, barks, whimpers, and growls, as well as clicks, squeals, and other noises.

 

Where does a fennec fox live?

 

Fennec foxes live in the Sahara Desert and other regions of Northern Africa. They are found in sandy desert areas with sparse vegetation, as well as rocky terrain. (National Georgaphic)

Stable dunes are considered the ideal fennec fox habitat, which subsists in arid desert environments. The fox is capable of inhabiting the remotest sand seas and, as was mentioned before, can survive without water longer than many other animals.

 

What is Fennec Fox’s lifespan?

The fennec fox has an average lifespan of 10 years in the wild, though it can live as long as 14 years in captivity. The oldest captive fennec foxes ever recorded were a male fennec – 14 years old, and the oldest female – 13 years.

 

What is Fennec Fox’s size?

The fennec fox is characterized as the smallest canid. Females are, on average in head-to-body size, around 35.8 cm (14.1 inches) with 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 inches) long tail and 9 cm (3.5 inches) long ears, and weigh 1–2 kg (2.2–4.2 lb). 

Males usually are slightly higher and, on average, in head-to-body size are around 39 cm (15.4 inches) with a 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in) long tail and 10 cm (3.9 in) long ears, weighing at least 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). (Wikipedia)

“We had only collected Dave the day we used FirstVet, so it was a bit worrying and new to us all. The vet explained everything to me in great detail and assured me that all was okay.”

For anxious new puppy owner Amy, having the FirstVet app downloaded onto her phone meant she could get advice from a vet without having to leave the house.

She’s one of a growing number of pet owners using the 24-hour digital veterinary service. From reassuring worried new pup parents like Amy, to helping to figure out why a cat has stopped eating, it’s all in a day’s work for a FirstVet vet.

On demand service

On average, the online veterinary service, which operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, receives around 350 calls every day, covering a wide range of pet health issues.

The most common calls from pet owners are about sickness and diarrhoea in cats and dogs, which can range from a minor stomach upset to something more serious, often because a pet has eaten something they shouldn’t.

Examples of unusual things that dogs have eaten that FirstVet have been contacted about include an entire runner bean plant, conkers, a packet of contraceptive pills and a razor.

Skin conditions, ear and eye problems, dental problems, diet, and pet behaviour are other issues that FirstVet regularly receives calls about. They aim to respond in under half an hour, as Evie found when she called the service for advice about her cat Lola.

“After signing up, it took me less than 30 minutes to get a video call with a vet; who was professional and friendly, and provided me with really helpful advice on how to care for my cat.”_

First response

The number of pet owners using the service, which is like NHS 111 but for pets, has risen sharply since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people turn to digital services.

Using video technology to carry out a consultation, vets can identify conditions, give advice on treatment, refer pets to local clinics if emergency treatment or further investigation is needed – and quickly reassure worried pet owners, like Peter who contacted FirstVet about his dog Kal.

“The consultant was fantastic. She saw we were worried and calmed us immediately. She performed a checkup on Kal over a video call and then thoroughly investigated the primary cause.”

And as cat owner Victoria discovered, in most cases, a video consultation with a FirstVet vet is often enough; meaning there’s no need for a trip to the vet, which many pets – and their owners – find stressful.

“My first consultation for Chester went very well. I had an appointment and spoke to a lovely well informed vet. She gave me thorough advice for treating my pet and also forwarded emails so I had a copy of the action plan.”

The FirstVet service is available free-of-charge to customers of many leading pet insurance providers. Other customers pay a fee for consultation with a qualified vet, which is £24 during the day and £36 at night.

The service can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, which makes it popular with pet owners like Carlos who contacted the service when his dog was injured on holiday and he couldn’t take him to his regular vet.

“I was worried that Liath might have injured his leg, and the advice from the vet was a great relief.”

Registration with FirstVet is free. Simply download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up. Then follow the instructions to book a consultation with a vet.

“We had only collected Dave the day we used FirstVet, so it was a bit worrying and new to us all. The vet explained everything to me in great detail and assured me that all was okay.”

For anxious new puppy owner Amy, having the FirstVet app downloaded onto her phone meant she could get advice from a vet without having to leave the house.

She’s one of a growing number of pet owners using the 24-hour digital veterinary service. From reassuring worried new pup parents like Amy, to helping to figure out why a cat has stopped eating, it’s all in a day’s work for a FirstVet vet.

On demand service

On average, the online veterinary service, which operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, receives around 350 calls every day, covering a wide range of pet health issues.

The most common calls from pet owners are about sickness and diarrhoea in cats and dogs, which can range from a minor stomach upset to something more serious, often because a pet has eaten something they shouldn’t.

Examples of unusual things that dogs have eaten that FirstVet have been contacted about include an entire runner bean plant, conkers, a packet of contraceptive pills and a razor.

Skin conditions, ear and eye problems, dental problems, diet, and pet behaviour are other issues that FirstVet regularly receives calls about. They aim to respond in under half an hour, as Evie found when she called the service for advice about her cat Lola.

“After signing up, it took me less than 30 minutes to get a video call with a vet; who was professional and friendly, and provided me with really helpful advice on how to care for my cat.”_

First response

The number of pet owners using the service, which is like NHS 111 but for pets, has risen sharply since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people turn to digital services.

Using video technology to carry out a consultation, vets can identify conditions, give advice on treatment, refer pets to local clinics if emergency treatment or further investigation is needed – and quickly reassure worried pet owners, like Peter who contacted FirstVet about his dog Kal.

“The consultant was fantastic. She saw we were worried and calmed us immediately. She performed a checkup on Kal over a video call and then thoroughly investigated the primary cause.”

And as cat owner Victoria discovered, in most cases, a video consultation with a FirstVet vet is often enough; meaning there’s no need for a trip to the vet, which many pets – and their owners – find stressful.

“My first consultation for Chester went very well. I had an appointment and spoke to a lovely well informed vet. She gave me thorough advice for treating my pet and also forwarded emails so I had a copy of the action plan.”

The FirstVet service is available free-of-charge to customers of many leading pet insurance providers. Other customers pay a fee for consultation with a qualified vet, which is £24 during the day and £36 at night.

The service can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, which makes it popular with pet owners like Carlos who contacted the service when his dog was injured on holiday and he couldn’t take him to his regular vet.

“I was worried that Liath might have injured his leg, and the advice from the vet was a great relief.”

Registration with FirstVet is free. Simply download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up. Then follow the instructions to book a consultation with a vet.

Would you know what to do if your pet was ill? Jessica May, Lead Vet for FirstVet, the 24-hour digital veterinary service, is here to help. Read on to find answers to 7 of the most commonly asked questions from cat and dog owners.

1. Is it normal for puppies to have diarrhoea?

Young puppies can get diarrhoea for several reasons, including a change in diet or because they’ve eaten something harmful. If your puppy has diarrhoea once, but is otherwise well, you can offer them food and water as normal and monitor them closely.

However, if your puppy is lethargic, has severe stomach pain, shows signs of dehydration, has not eaten food or drunk any water for 4-6 hours, has blood in the stools, or very dark stools, this could be a sign of something more serious; and they will need to be taken to a vet.

2. Why is my cat limping?

Cats are good at hiding pain so, if your cat is limping, you should take this as a sign that something is wrong. Begin by gently and carefully checking your cat all over for swellings, soreness and wounds, particularly the legs and around the head and tail. You can book a video call with a vet at FirstVet who can guide you through this initial assessment.

If your cat has been involved in an accident, cannot walk, or has a deep wound or abscess or a wound close to a joint, they should be taken to a vet immediately. Other causes of lameness in cats include soft tissue injuries; for example a strained or bruised muscle or tendon, or a damaged claw. Treatment will depend on the cause.

3. Why does my dog scratch himself constantly?

Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies. Signs include licking paws excessively, mild to excessive scratching of their skin, inflamed and itchy ears, hair loss and secondary skin infections. Allergies can be food related or triggered by the environment; for example an allergy to dust mites or pollen. The first step will be to rule out other causes of itching, such as fleas or ringworm.

If diet is identified as the cause, a process of food elimination is likely to be recommended to identify the trigger. If the allergy is triggered by the environment, medication may be required; along with the use of specially formulated shampoos designed to soothe dogs’ skin.

4. My cat keeps scratching her ears, and is making them sore.

Excessive scratching and head shaking, smelly ears and waxy discharge can all be signs of an ear infection. There are many reasons why cats develop ear problems and infections, which can be very painful and unpleasant. They include excess wax, ear mites or a trauma caused by your cat getting into a fight.

Treatment will depend on what’s causing the problem. You can get advice from a FirstVet vet about whether your cat needs to be taken to a vet. They will also be able to explain how to carry out a weekly examination of your cat, which includes checking their ears, to prevent future problems.

5. My dog has eaten some chocolate – what should I do?

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs; even in small quantities. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to get advice from a vet as soon as possible. They will need to know the percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate, how much your dog has eaten and how much they weigh. Darker chocolate contains more cocoa solids, which makes it more toxic.

A FirstVet vet can advise you via a video call, and help to determine the level of risk and whether your pet needs to be taken to a vet. If you suspect your animal has eaten chocolate and your waiting time with FirstVet is more than 15 minutes, you can still book a video call but you should also try to contact your nearest veterinary practice. This is to make sure that your dog receives veterinary treatment quickly.

6. My cat is straining to pee.

If you notice a change in your cat’s peeing behaviour, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. This may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which is also known as cystitis. Symptoms include difficulty going to the toilet, peeing in unusual places, peeing more often, blood in urine, and licking their genitals excessively.

Urinary tract infections are more common in middle-aged cats that don’t get much exercise, use an indoor litter tray and are fed dry food. Stress caused by changes in their routine, or a new cat in the house, can also trigger bouts of cystitis.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection and can include medication, a change in diet to a specialist food and taking action to reduce the cat’s stress levels.

7. How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough?

Kennel Cough is a common respiratory condition in dogs, which is highly contagious and spreads via airborne droplets.  It can be picked up anywhere – not just in kennels. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the severity of kennel cough.

The main symptom is a hacking cough; other symptoms can include nasal discharge, a high temperature, lethargy and reduced appetite. Treatment will depend on the symptoms; most dogs simply need rest and TLC but puppies and older dogs may require antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.

If your dog has a cough, a FirstVet vet can assess your pet via a video call. The vet can provide professional advice about if and how you can treat your pet at home and when to take your pet to a vet.

Would you know what to do if your pet was ill? Jessica May, Lead Vet for FirstVet, the 24-hour digital veterinary service, is here to help. Read on to find answers to 7 of the most commonly asked questions from cat and dog owners.

1. Is it normal for puppies to have diarrhoea?

Young puppies can get diarrhoea for several reasons, including a change in diet or because they’ve eaten something harmful. If your puppy has diarrhoea once, but is otherwise well, you can offer them food and water as normal and monitor them closely.

However, if your puppy is lethargic, has severe stomach pain, shows signs of dehydration, has not eaten food or drunk any water for 4-6 hours, has blood in the stools, or very dark stools, this could be a sign of something more serious; and they will need to be taken to a vet.

2. Why is my cat limping?

Cats are good at hiding pain so, if your cat is limping, you should take this as a sign that something is wrong. Begin by gently and carefully checking your cat all over for swellings, soreness and wounds, particularly the legs and around the head and tail. You can book a video call with a vet at FirstVet who can guide you through this initial assessment.

If your cat has been involved in an accident, cannot walk, or has a deep wound or abscess or a wound close to a joint, they should be taken to a vet immediately. Other causes of lameness in cats include soft tissue injuries; for example a strained or bruised muscle or tendon, or a damaged claw. Treatment will depend on the cause.

3. Why does my dog scratch himself constantly?

Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies. Signs include licking paws excessively, mild to excessive scratching of their skin, inflamed and itchy ears, hair loss and secondary skin infections. Allergies can be food related or triggered by the environment; for example an allergy to dust mites or pollen. The first step will be to rule out other causes of itching, such as fleas or ringworm.

If diet is identified as the cause, a process of food elimination is likely to be recommended to identify the trigger. If the allergy is triggered by the environment, medication may be required; along with the use of specially formulated shampoos designed to soothe dogs’ skin.

4. My cat keeps scratching her ears, and is making them sore.

Excessive scratching and head shaking, smelly ears and waxy discharge can all be signs of an ear infection. There are many reasons why cats develop ear problems and infections, which can be very painful and unpleasant. They include excess wax, ear mites or a trauma caused by your cat getting into a fight.

Treatment will depend on what’s causing the problem. You can get advice from a FirstVet vet about whether your cat needs to be taken to a vet. They will also be able to explain how to carry out a weekly examination of your cat, which includes checking their ears, to prevent future problems.

5. My dog has eaten some chocolate – what should I do?

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs; even in small quantities. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to get advice from a vet as soon as possible. They will need to know the percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate, how much your dog has eaten and how much they weigh. Darker chocolate contains more cocoa solids, which makes it more toxic.

A FirstVet vet can advise you via a video call, and help to determine the level of risk and whether your pet needs to be taken to a vet. If you suspect your animal has eaten chocolate and your waiting time with FirstVet is more than 15 minutes, you can still book a video call but you should also try to contact your nearest veterinary practice. This is to make sure that your dog receives veterinary treatment quickly.

6. My cat is straining to pee.

If you notice a change in your cat’s peeing behaviour, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. This may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which is also known as cystitis. Symptoms include difficulty going to the toilet, peeing in unusual places, peeing more often, blood in urine, and licking their genitals excessively.

Urinary tract infections are more common in middle-aged cats that don’t get much exercise, use an indoor litter tray and are fed dry food. Stress caused by changes in their routine, or a new cat in the house, can also trigger bouts of cystitis.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the infection and can include medication, a change in diet to a specialist food and taking action to reduce the cat’s stress levels.

7. How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough?

Kennel Cough is a common respiratory condition in dogs, which is highly contagious and spreads via airborne droplets.  It can be picked up anywhere – not just in kennels. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the severity of kennel cough.

The main symptom is a hacking cough; other symptoms can include nasal discharge, a high temperature, lethargy and reduced appetite. Treatment will depend on the symptoms; most dogs simply need rest and TLC but puppies and older dogs may require antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.

If your dog has a cough, a FirstVet vet can assess your pet via a video call. The vet can provide professional advice about if and how you can treat your pet at home and when to take your pet to a vet.

Thanks to some incredible advancements in technology, there are many ways to keep pets healthy at the click of a mouse. From personalised subscription diet plans to 24-hour video calls with a vet, here’s five technical innovations every pet owner needs to know about.

1. Get a personalised meal plan for your dog

Not so long ago, stocking up on food for your pet required a trip to the supermarket or the vet. These days, not only is everything available to order online, you can get a personalised meal plan for your dog too. After completing a short questionnaire about your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity levels – and even their dietary likes and dislikes – the food will be delivered to your home, ready to be served to your hungry hound. Personalised subscription-based meal plans can also help with portion control and protect your dog from health problems linked to obesity – like heart disease and arthritis. Try Nature’s Menu or Bella & Duke for raw food, Butternut Box or Pure for freshly cooked meat and veggies.

2. Sign up for a flea treatment plan with regular reminders

We’ve all forgotten at some point to treat our pet for fleas, right? After spotting this glitch among pet owners, the founders of Itch set out to find a solution to make sure that all pets get their treatment on time. Without regular treatment, fleas can quickly become a problem in even the cleanest of homes. Adult fleas are easily picked up by dogs and cats, and will lay eggs in your pet’s bedding. Itch offers a personalised subscription plan for flea products – and worming treatment too – which means they’ll send you the right dose at the right time to remind you to treat your pet.

3. Book a video call with a qualified vet

Wouldn’t it be great if you could speak to a vet about your pet’s health from the comfort of your own home? Well, now you can. FirstVet is the UK’s leading online vet, providing a 24-hour first response service to answer your pet health concerns. They offer a low-cost video consultation with a vet 24/7, 365 days a year to discuss your pet’s symptoms and give advice about treatment. All without having to coax your cat into a travel basket or your dog into the car! However, if the FirstVet vet thinks your pet needs to be examined, they will be able to refer you to your local clinic. FirstVet works with several pet insurance companies, including Bought By Many and Waggel, to provide a free service to their customers. Check with your insurance company to find out if you’re eligible for a free consultation.

4. Monitor your dog’s fitness

Do you know how much exercise your dog needs? Based on factors like their age and breed, every dog is different. Knowing this, and being able to track your dog’s activity levels, can help to keep them in tip-top health and fitness. There are a range of smart devices which are worn attached to your dog’s collar. PitPat is linked to a handy app on your phone and allows you to set exercise goals, keep track of your dog’s activity levels and monitor their weight. To help you get a better understanding of your dog’s life and spot any unusual changes, such as changes to their sleep, Sure Animo will track your dog’s daily activity and behaviour. And if you want to get active too, FitBit and FitBark have teamed up to get dogs and their humans fit together.

5. Explore your pet’s DNA

If you’ve ever wondered why your pet looks or behaves the way they do, you can now research their DNA. You may not be able to discover if your cat has links to royalty but you may be surprised to find that your dog is more Cava- than -poo or has traces of a completely different breed altogether. As well as learning about your pet’s breed, DNA services like Wisdom Panel can provide useful insight about their genetic makeup; and help to detect genetic disorders, like hip and elbow dysplasia, which some breeds of dog are at risk of developing. By understanding your pet’s genetic makeup, you can be better prepared for any health issues before they become problems in the future.

Thanks to some incredible advancements in technology, there are many ways to keep pets healthy at the click of a mouse. From personalised subscription diet plans to 24-hour video calls with a vet, here’s five technical innovations every pet owner needs to know about.

1. Get a personalised meal plan for your dog

Not so long ago, stocking up on food for your pet required a trip to the supermarket or the vet. These days, not only is everything available to order online, you can get a personalised meal plan for your dog too. After completing a short questionnaire about your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity levels – and even their dietary likes and dislikes – the food will be delivered to your home, ready to be served to your hungry hound. Personalised subscription-based meal plans can also help with portion control and protect your dog from health problems linked to obesity – like heart disease and arthritis. Try Nature’s Menu or Bella & Duke for raw food, Butternut Box or Pure for freshly cooked meat and veggies.

2. Sign up for a flea treatment plan with regular reminders

We’ve all forgotten at some point to treat our pet for fleas, right? After spotting this glitch among pet owners, the founders of Itch set out to find a solution to make sure that all pets get their treatment on time. Without regular treatment, fleas can quickly become a problem in even the cleanest of homes. Adult fleas are easily picked up by dogs and cats, and will lay eggs in your pet’s bedding. Itch offers a personalised subscription plan for flea products – and worming treatment too – which means they’ll send you the right dose at the right time to remind you to treat your pet.

3. Book a video call with a qualified vet

Wouldn’t it be great if you could speak to a vet about your pet’s health from the comfort of your own home? Well, now you can. FirstVet is the UK’s leading online vet, providing a 24-hour first response service to answer your pet health concerns. They offer a low-cost video consultation with a vet 24/7, 365 days a year to discuss your pet’s symptoms and give advice about treatment. All without having to coax your cat into a travel basket or your dog into the car! However, if the FirstVet vet thinks your pet needs to be examined, they will be able to refer you to your local clinic. FirstVet works with several pet insurance companies, including Bought By Many and Waggel, to provide a free service to their customers. Check with your insurance company to find out if you’re eligible for a free consultation.

4. Monitor your dog’s fitness

Do you know how much exercise your dog needs? Based on factors like their age and breed, every dog is different. Knowing this, and being able to track your dog’s activity levels, can help to keep them in tip-top health and fitness. There are a range of smart devices which are worn attached to your dog’s collar. PitPat is linked to a handy app on your phone and allows you to set exercise goals, keep track of your dog’s activity levels and monitor their weight. To help you get a better understanding of your dog’s life and spot any unusual changes, such as changes to their sleep, Sure Animo will track your dog’s daily activity and behaviour. And if you want to get active too, FitBit and FitBark have teamed up to get dogs and their humans fit together.

5. Explore your pet’s DNA

If you’ve ever wondered why your pet looks or behaves the way they do, you can now research their DNA. You may not be able to discover if your cat has links to royalty but you may be surprised to find that your dog is more Cava- than -poo or has traces of a completely different breed altogether. As well as learning about your pet’s breed, DNA services like Wisdom Panel can provide useful insight about their genetic makeup; and help to detect genetic disorders, like hip and elbow dysplasia, which some breeds of dog are at risk of developing. By understanding your pet’s genetic makeup, you can be better prepared for any health issues before they become problems in the future.