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Student vets offer free treatment for homeless people’s pets
Biana Tamini (left) treats a dog under the supervision of Dr Andrew Gardiner.

All4Paws will offer basic treatment and behaviour advice

Veterinary students have launched a free treatment and advice service for pets belonging to homeless people in Edinburgh.

Run by students at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the All4Paws clinic will offer basic treatments to people living in the city without a permanent home.

They will also be offered advice to help them better manage their pet’s behaviour.

Biana Tamini, a fourth year student at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “We hope to provide those who have very few options for their pets with the best care possible.

“At the moment there are hardly any services in Edinburgh that support the pets of those that are homeless, but they deserve the same veterinary care and attention as any others.”

Under the guidance of qualified vets, the students will offer vaccines, flea, tick and worm medications free of charge.

Owners will also be encouraged to sign up for the Dogs Trust Hope Scheme, which provides microchips and free spaying and neutering.

Furthermore, All4Paws will also provide animals’ basic supplies such as winter coats, collars, leashes, toys, bed and food.

Dr Andrew Gardiner, senior clinical lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: “We’ve offered a limited veterinary service for companion animals within several Edinburgh hostels since 2008, but the students’ initiative is more ambitious and allows the opportunity to give more in depth care and advice when it is needed.” 

Image (C) University of Edinburgh

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.