About

The Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) collects data in real-time from electronic health sources.

These comprise:

• Electronic patient health records for companion animals, captured from participating veterinary practices, where staff record information at the end of each consultation
• Electronic results from clinical submissions for companion animals to diagnostic laboratories.

Launched in 2008, SAVSNET collects electronic health data for companion animals across the UK. Led by the University of Liverpool, under a license agreement with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, our network continues to grow as more veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories join the initiative.

SAVSNET aims to respond to a wide variety of challenges in companion animal health and welfare. These include:

• Monitoring diseases in companion animals and highlighting emerging diseases and syndromes
• Identifying populations at risk
• Researching specific companion animal diseases and monitoring treatment responses and outcomes
• Monitoring antimicrobial resistance
• Informing antimicrobial stewardship
• Providing data resources for researchers, pet owners and others
• Improving general public awareness of companion animal diseases and prevention
• Offering a route to clinical benchmarking for veterinary practitioners.