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Support for Ukraine: Taking action
Even if you are unable to take in a refugee, there are still several ways you can support refugees in your community.

How to help when you don't have a spare room. 

Many kind members of the veterinary professions are keen to help Ukrainian people and animals during this very difficult time, however, not everyone has the available space or situation to take in a refugee. Thankfully though, there are several other ways to get involved and provide practical help to those in need.

Donations
Financial donations are a great way to provide direct support to Ukrainian people, and allow you to choose the level of commitment you are capable of.

Many organisations, including the Red Cross and DEC Humanitarian Appeal have stated that financial donations are the most useful right now, as they do not require sorting or sending, and allow the teams to purchase the necessary items locally. It is often better to donate to larger charities who already have established local links, to ensure that any money donated is used effectively.

If you have essential supplies to donate, such as first aid and sanitary products, you should check online to find a collection point that will take them. Many charities and community groups are gathering essential supplies for refugees.

Organisations accepting financial donations for Ukraine include:

  •  The Disasters Emergency Committee
  •  The Red Cross
  •  UNICEF
  •  Sunflower of Peace
  •  UN Crisis Relief Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

Taking action in your community
Although you may be unable to take in a refugee, there are still many ways you can support refugees joining your local community. You can volunteer your time to help a local refugee with things such as language, learning about the local area, signposting them to professional support, and most importantly, friendship.

There may be local organisations or initiatives in your area that can help connect you with refugees looking for friendship and guidance, alternatively you may know someone personally who is taking part in the Homes For Ukraine scheme, and wish to support them throughout the process.

Support the veterinary response
Many veterinary organisations have offered support or created fundraisers for Ukrainian people, and supporting these initiatives is a useful way to provide practical assistance. British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine is calling for physical and financial donations for direct delivery to the border, to help both human and animal medics working on the Ukrainian frontline.

Another coalition, 'British Equestrians for Ukraine' has been formed to collect essential supplies for horses and equestrians in Ukraine, including feed, bedding and veterinary equipment.

Get in touch

We’re looking to hear from anyone who has applied to the Homes For Ukraine scheme for a series on MRCVSOnline and VNOnline. What has been your experience of the process so far, and what advice would you give to anybody looking to host refugees in the UK? Please email editor@mrcvs.co.uk

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."