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Blue Cross names new chief operating officer
Kelly Grellier (pictured) aims to establish key partnerships with organisations that focus on social care to help pet owners that need extra support.

Kelly Grellier aims to spearhead projects combining social care and animal welfare. 

Blue Cross has announced that Kelly Grellier will take over from Steve Goody as the charity's new chief operating officer (COO).

Ms Grellier has worked for Blue Cross for the past five years. In her role as rehoming and behaviour director she recently developed an innovative new rehoming strategy, establishing a new operating model, partnership collaborations and a Welfare Board.

Her goal as COO is to create a national integrated network of services, working with other welfare organisations to help pets and their owners.

She intends to establish key partnerships with organisations that focus on social care, so that Blue Cross can better support pets and owners living in poverty or on low income, as well as those experiencing mental health issues, loneliness, or isolation.

Ms Grellier said: “Having worked at Blue Cross for nearly five years now I have been continually motivated by our ambition to increase our impact; ensuring that we are developing strategies to meet the shifting welfare needs of pets as well as the need to recognise the importance of animals in our lives and the enormous value pets bring to society.

“I am inspired daily by the incredible expertise at our charity across pet species and all key disciplines, behaviour, clinical, rehoming, advice and public affairs.

“I have seen first-hand over the last year in particular the importance of pets to teenage friends of my family who have been suffering with their mental health. Life presents many challenges and people’s circumstances can change dramatically without warning.

“That is why I feel proud to work for a charity that recognises the vital importance of pets in our lives and the need to support people and their pets. It is a privilege to take on the role of chief operating officer.”

Image (c) Blue Cross.

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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.