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New app to support pet health during COVID-19
The Pet Health Pal app is powered by Facebook Messenger and WhatsAPP chatbots.

Digital tool will give owners quick access to valuable advice.

A new app to support the health and wellbeing of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond has been launched by Mars PetCare in collaboration with the Waltham Science Institute.

The free Pet Health Pal app, powered by the Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp chatbot system, is being launched both in the UK and USA. It will answer questions from owners related to pet health and ownership, covering topics such as health, food, exercise and happiness.

The tool is the first of its kind, specifically in today's COVID-19 environment, and forms part of Mars' mission 'to create a better world for pets'. Helen Warren-Piper, general manager of Mars PetCare UK, explains:
“During COVID-19, a number of pet parents have got in touch with questions and concerns about how best to take care of their pets during the pandemic. This is why at Mars Petcare we are launching the “Pet Health Pal” app, giving pet owners in our pet-loving nation easy and quick access to valuable advice and resources provided by experts at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

"From pet nutrition to general wellbeing “Pet Health Pal” will help pet parents give their four-legged friends the best possible care.”

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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...
News Shorts
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.