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Dog Assistance in Disability achieves re-accreditation
Dog A.I.D provides assistance dog training to people over 15 years old with physical disabilities.
Organisation will remain a member of Assistance Dogs International for a further five years. 

Assistance dog charity, Dog Assistance in Disability (Dog A.I.D) has achieved re-accreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for maintaining high standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training and partnership.

A review conducted by a trained ADI assessor over two to four days found that the charity, which relies solely on voluntary income, met ADI's Standards of Practice. It means that Dog A.I.D will remain a member programme of the ADI - the leading authority in the dog assistance industry - for a further five years.

Dog A.I.D. chair Sandra Fraser comments: “We are delighted to receive re-accreditation for a further five years from ADI. We have been evaluated on program management, administration, facilities and community activities with gold seal achievement. Full credit goes to our staff, volunteers, clients and dogs for maintaining the highest of standards and dedication to make this possible”.

Based in Shropshire, Dog A.I.D provides assistance dog training to people over 15 years old with physical disabilities up to Assistance Dog standard where suitable. Where Dog A.I.D. differs from most assistance dog charities, is that the dogs they work with belong to the clients.

The organisation operates throughout the UK and currently has 117 fully qualified assistance dogs, with a further 121 in training. Once trained, the new assistance dogs provide vital, life-changing support to their owners, from emptying the washing machine and finding the telephone, to turning on the lights.

ADI is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organisations that raise, train and place assistance dogs. There are currently 133 ADI accredited service dog programmes throughout the world. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.