VMD survey to pet owners on their use of flea and tick spot-on treatments

16 October 2025

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched a survey to gain insight into how UK pet owners use and dispose of flea and tick spot-on treatments, as part of its commitment to evidence-based policy making on Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE). Veterinary professionals in small animal practice may wish to make their clients aware of the survey and to encourage them to complete it by the closing date of 1st January 2026.

The issue

Parasiticides are an essential component of small animal veterinary practice, providing protection against parasitic infestations, safeguarding animal welfare, and reducing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. However, recent evidence from multiple sources indicates that some small animal parasiticides, including topical products, can contaminate the environment, in particular waterways, with potential adverse effects on wildlife and ecosystems.

Knowledge gaps

The BSAVA, BVA & BVZS joint Policy Position on the responsible use of parasiticides in cats and dogs highlights knowledge gaps relating to parasites and the use of companion animal parasiticide products, including around how parasiticides are bought, used, and disposed of, which make risk analysis of their use difficult. The VMD survey aims to provide better understanding of how pet owners use these products to support ongoing work to address the potential environmental impacts.

The survey is open to UK residents aged 18 and over who currently own cats or dogs and use spot-on flea and tick treatments. Pet owners will be asked about:

  • where and how they purchase treatments
  • how they apply and dispose of treatments
  • what influences their purchasing decisions
  • their awareness of potential environmental impacts

Building the evidence base

This research supports the VMD’s broader efforts to minimise the environmental impact of veterinary medicines and delivers against the commitments laid out in the UK cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment roadmap. The findings will help build the evidence base for future guidance and policies that balance animal welfare, human health, and environmental protection.

The survey is available here: https://defragroup.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_00catP20l9m5dVI

Further information: VMD launches survey to understand how pet owners use flea and tick spot-on treatments

BSAVA Perspective

BSAVA recommends that companion animals are treated for parasites using a tailored, risk-based approach, taking into account individual circumstances, zoonotic potential and the potential adverse impact on the environment.

Further resources

BSAVA Scientific Position Statement on parasite control: https://bsava.com/position-statement/parasite-control/

Joint Policy Position with BVA, BSAVA and BVZS on the responsible use of parasiticides for cats and dogs: https://bsava.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bva-bsava-and-bvzs-policy-position-on-responsible-use-of-parasiticides-for-cats-and-dogs.pdf

Joint guidance produced with BVA, BSAVA and BVZS to help veterinary professionals practise responsible, risk-based use of parasiticide products for dogs and cats: Responsible use of parasiticides for cats and dogs: The five-point plan

A suite of client-facing communications produced by BVA, BSAVA and BVZS which includes a leaflet, posters and a slideshow which can be displayed in practice waiting rooms.

BSAVA library collection on parasiticides: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/parasiticides

BSAVA actively engage with VMD’s PiE Group Cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group Roadmap – GOV.UK