Tag: animal welfare

For the Round & About pets special, we sit down with Australian-born, British veterinary surgeon Dr Scott Miller, widely recognised for his appearances on This Morning, to talk about the extraordinary role animals play in our lives.

Pets rarely make a grand entrance, but they make real and lasting impressions. They sit with us in silence, celebrate us like heroes and love us without conditions or questions.

For Dr Scott Miller, one of the UK’s best-known veterinary surgeons, it’s this quiet constancy that sets animals apart from humans.

“Unconditional love,” he says simply. “Whether you are in a good or bad mood, looking dishevelled or a million dollars, our pets don’t judge us; they love us for our flaws and make us feel special and loved.”

That bond often begins early. Scott’s own childhood was shaped by an intense fascination with animals of all kinds.

“I always was obsessed by animals,” he recalls. “Caring for local wildlife as well as neighbourhood cats and dogs – whether they needed it or not.”

From those early instincts came clarity: animals weren’t just an interest, they were a vocation. “From a very early age I realised that I wanted to work with them as a life’s calling.”

Today, Scott is a passionate advocate for the role that pets play in supporting our mental and physical health, particularly as we age.

Companionship, he explains, is only part of the picture. “Feeling responsible for something is incredibly important to keeping people active, sociable and vibrant,” he says.

“Pets give structure to our days and meaning to routines as well as good reasons to get up, get out, and keep connected.”

They also help us connect outwardly. “A pet not only provides us with company, but they help us bridge the gap with others,” Scott explains, opening up conversations with neighbours, friends and even strangers. Whether it’s chatting on a dog walk, swapping stories at the vet, or sharing photos while a pet is away in kennels, animals quietly strengthen our social fabric.

While dogs tend to dominate the pet conversation, Scott is keen to broaden the picture. “Absolutely,” he says, when asked whether smaller or less traditional pets can be just as rewarding.

Cats, he notes, are wonderful indoor companions, rats are “super intelligent” and birds are “nature’s comedians”, offering entertainment, companionship and even the ability to learn tricks and speech. The key is not prestige or popularity, but fit.

“Overwhelmingly, pets are proven to improve quality of life – but only when they suit the owner’s lifestyle.”

That honesty underpins Scott’s advice for prospective pet owners. “Do your research,” he stresses. The real cost of a pet extends far beyond the initial purchase, encompassing feeding, healthcare, maintenance and, crucially, care during holidays or working life, including kennels, catteries or trusted sitters.

Understanding the long-term commitment, and each species’ specific needs, is essential to offering what Scott calls “a home for life”.

As pets age alongside us, these responsibilities deepen. Like humans, animals slow down, developing joint issues, hearing loss or vision problems. One common mistake, Scott says, is reducing vet visits to avoid stress.

“Actually it’s when pets need us most. Regular checks help catch subtle changes early, improving comfort and preserving dignity in later years.”

Loss, inevitably, is part of loving animals – and often a child’s first experience of grief. Scott speaks openly about bereavement, urging owners not to minimise their pain.

“The loss of a beloved pet can have a profound impact,” he says.

His advice is compassionate and practical: don’t be ashamed of how you feel, talk to fellow animal-lovers and don’t rush into welcoming another pet. When the time’s right, he suggests, it’s not about replacement, but giving love – and a home – to another animal who needs one.

Scott’s career has spanned everything from family pets to truly extraordinary cases.

He has treated flat-faced dogs with life-changing BOAS surgery, repaired the fractured leg of a four-week-old kitten named Delilah, performed conscious surgery on a chicken – complete with a bespoke “chicken bra” – and worked with wildlife across the globe, from elephants in Kenya to koalas injured in bushfires.

Horses, too, hold a special place. “Powerful, graceful, beautiful and gentle,” he says. While equine vets typically specialise exclusively, Scott is always happy to help when a local pony or retired racehorse needs care.

Looking to the future, Scott hopes to establish veterinary hospitals to reduce costs for rescue charities, a reflection of his belief that humans are custodians of all species.

“Animals are a gift to the world,” he says, “and caring for them, in all their forms, remains one of the most meaningful responsibilities we can take on.”