Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Top of the Dogs
Pete the Lurcher with his Master's degree

Battersea rescue dog gains Master’s degree

Pete, a four-year old-lurcher awaiting a new home, has become Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s first highly educated dog after being awarded a Master’s Degree.

The clever canine has been at the home for 133 days after arriving as a stray and was awarded a Master’s in Business (MBA) as part of an episode of BBC Newsnight, which was investigating a university offering postgraduate qualifications in exchange for money.

Staff at the world-famous animal charity are very proud of Pete and hope that his exemplary learning credentials will help him find a home.

He has had plenty of time to study his business books as he recovered from a major operation on his front leg.

The gentle-natured lurcher has been recuperating with lots of care from the charity’s clinic team and they are now eager to show people what a great pet he would make.

Although Pete can be worried by other dogs he has a lovely nature, and, with the right owners, he can start to relax.

Rob Young, head of dog rehoming, says: “To have a dog with a Master’s degree in our midst is certainly a first for Battersea and we’re proud as punch of Pete and his astounding intellect!”

“Like a number of dogs in our care, Pete has been at Battersea for over three times the average stay and is really deserving of a loving new family that will enjoy having a scholar in the family. Pete’s ready to pack his degree and books and show his new owners how clever he is.”

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.