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Cats Protection launches hands-free adoption service
Cats Protection has launched a new Hands-Free Homing service for potential pet owners during the coronavirus pandemic.
Scheme set to provide much-needed companionship during coronavirus pandemic.

Leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection has launched a new way for people to find their purr-fect companion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charity's new Hands-Free Homing service enables prospective owners to view photos, videos and full descriptions of each moggie so they can garner as much information as possible before proceeding with an adoption.

If a match is found, Cats Protection will arrange a virtual meeting to carry out the necessary checks, and the cat will be delivered to its new home with strict social distancing measures being observed.

The charity will then conduct follow up calls with each owner in the weeks following the adoption to ensure that both they and their new pet are happy, with additional support available through its website.

Cats Protection director of operations Mark Beazley said: “This is a fantastic scheme, which will not only help to us to find loving homes for the cats in our care but can also help provide much-needed companionship for people at this difficult time.

“We know from our own research that nine out of 10 owners say their cat has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing. And two thirds also said that their cat helps them calm down when working from home, which it looks like many of us will be continuing to do for some time to come.”

Claire Blekkenhorst from Surrey and her eleven-year-old son adopted seven-year-old black cat Wilfey from Cats Protection under the new scheme and say that couldn’t be happier.

Claire said: “We are so in love with Wilfey. He has bonded so specially with my son and follows him everywhere. They have become very firm friends and sleep together every night. For a seven-year-old cat, he is super playful and inquisitive. He has loads of toys but, to be honest, his favourite game is to chase his own tail!

“We are so very grateful to Cats Protection for matching us with Wilfey. We lost our first cat in January and I honestly couldn’t imagine another cat coming into our lives and being adored so much, but it turns out it is possible.”

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.