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The growth of the internet has made it easier for pet retailers to sell to large audiences.

Is it time to regulate the online trade in pets?

In recent years the growth of the internet has made it easier for pet retailers to sell to large audiences. No longer do people have to search locally, join waiting lists, or wait six weeks to pick up their pet. Now they can just log on, scour the whole country and pick up a new animal within a matter of days.


On Tuesday (24 May), as part of a government-led inquiry into the welfare of domestic pets, representatives from Pets4Homes and Gumtree joined a panel discussion about online pet sales. The panel also included representatives from the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) and PupAid. 


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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.