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New online course for pet owners
Cat owner using ipad
The course aims to help pet owners develop a greater understanding of their animals.
Course will give owners greater insight into their pets' needs

A free online course to help animal lovers brush up on pet subjects has been launched by the University of Edinburgh.

Designed by world-leading experts in animal welfare, The Truth about Cats and Dogs aims to teach participants about pet needs and behaviours.

“There is so much information available online about how best to look after your pet, which can be overwhelming,” commented Dr Heathor Bacon, who is among the experts organising the course.

“Our scientific understanding of cats and dogs has moved on leaps and bounds, but recent research has highlighted gaps in what pet owners know about their animals.”

The course aims to help pet owners develop a greater understanding of their animals by exploring how they perceive the world.

“Pet owners will gain a greater insight into their pets’ needs and how to provide for them,” Heather adds.

The Massive Open-access Online Course (MOOC) was developed by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Beginning on the 12 June, the course content is centred on the latest scientific findings.

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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.

 

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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.