Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Petplan pledges free pet insurance for Ukrainian refugees
“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the events in Ukraine and the impact the war is having on people and their pets" Kieran O'Keeffe, Petplan.
Pets will be able to receive treatment for their first year in the UK.

Insurance provider Petplan has announced that it will be offering free pet insurance to all Ukrainian families bringing their pets to the UK via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Announcing the move at the recent Petplan Veterinary Awards, the insurer revealed that pets will be able to receive treatment under its Classic Covered for Life policy. Under this policy, owners will be able to claim up to £4,000 should their pet fall ill or become injured during the first year of living in the UK.

It comes after Petplan's charity arm - the Petplan Charitable Trust - donated £25,000 to the Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund to help animal welfare charities on the Ukrainian front line.

Kieran O'Keeffe, managing director at Petplan, said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the events in Ukraine and the impact the war is having on people and their pets. At Petplan, we know that pets are part of the family and that many Ukrainians are taking their pets with them as they flee to safety. 

“We recognise the important role pets will continue to play in the lives of these Ukrainian families. We hope that by providing them with free Petplan insurance we can at least reduce their concerns over veterinary costs and ensure that their pets have access to the care they need.” 

To find out more about the support, Ukrainian families or their English-speaking hosts may contact Petplan on 0330 057 3662. 

Should a pet be presented to a UK veterinary practice by a Ukrainian refugee without pet insurance, the practice team should call Petplan’s Vetline on 0330 102 1606 - and financial support will be provided retrospectively.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com