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Burgess Excel Vet Awards finalists revealed
"The standard of entries we've received has been absolutely outstanding" - Dr Suzanne Moyes.
Categories include Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year and Rabbit Student of the Year.

The shortlist of finalists for the 2021 Burgess Excel Vet Awards has been revealed.

Run in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, the awards celebrate the hard work of veterinary practices and individuals working to improve the lives of the UK’s pet rabbits and guinea pigs. 

One winner from each category will be presented with a trophy and cash prize of £250 at the London Vet Show in November. There will also be a digital announcement on Burgess’s social media pages. 

A panel of judges, including industry experts, veterinary professionals, and rabbit and guinea pig specialists, selected the finalists from hundreds of nominations and self-nominations from UK veterinary professionals, practices and their clients. 

Judge Dr Suzanne Moyes, veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We have been delighted with the fantastic response to this year’s Excel Vet Awards. It’s hugely rewarding to hear about so many veterinary professionals and practices who are going that extra mile to take care of the UK’s rabbits and guinea pigs, despite the additional challenges created by the pandemic in providing high levels of care. 

“Once again, the standard of entries we’ve received has been absolutely outstanding, which has made the judging panel’s job very difficult! Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist, which in itself is an achievement to be proud of.”

The finalists in each category are as follows: 

Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
Heidi Barringer, Wood Green, The Animals Charity, Godmanchester
Katie Richmond-Jones, Downland Veterinary Group, Bognor Regis
Rachel Sibbald, Abercorn Veterinary Centre, Edinburgh
Victoria Stearman, Origin Vets Clinic, South Wales area
Adina Valentine, Origin Vets Clinic, South Wales area
 
Rabbit-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
Highcroft Exotic Vets, Bristol
Origin Vets Clinic, Vale of Glamorgan
Quantock Veterinary Hospital, Bridgwater 
Royal Veterinary College, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, London
Suffolk Exotic Vets, Suffolk
 
Rabbit Support Staff of the Year 
Ellie Wright, Riversmeet Vets, Atherstone
Rachel Sanderson, Robert Jones Vet Surgery Blackpool
Corinne Voigt-Hill, Vets4Pets, Bangor
Donna Robson, Pennard Vets, Sevenoaks
Chrystabel Burt, Medivet, Ashford
 
Rabbit Student of the Year 
Megan Bailey, Duchy College Rosewarne, Camborne
Amy Loverance, Nottingham Veterinary School
Sarah McMahon, University of Glasgow
Grace Mee, University of Liverpool
Tanya Peters, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire
 
Guinea Pig-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year 
CJ Hall Vets, East Sheen, London
Derwent Valley Vets, Matlock
Highcroft Exotic Vets, Bristol
Origin Vets, Cardiff
Twickenham Vets, London

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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.