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NFRSA awarded charitable status
The NFRSA provides support to the UK's 2,000 plus ex-service dogs and horses.

Retired service animal foundation shares success.

The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) has been awarded charitable status.

Founded in May of 2022 by Countess Bathurst, NFRSA provides support to ex-service dogs, horses, their handlers and owners, through assisting with the cost of medical and veterinary care.

Pets in retirement from the Police, Fire and Rescue, Prison and Border Force services are financially supported by the NFRSA, without requiring the owner or handler to pay a joining fee or make a financial contribution. 

One dog supported by the NFRSA is Keela, an ex-police dog who retired after more than nine years of service. Keela's police handler and owner Sam realised that she was suffering from a stomach torsion, which is life threatening in German shepherds.

Without thought of the cost, Sam rushed Keela to the vet, where she had overnight emergency surgery. This surgery added up to just over £6,000, which was an enormous cost.

Sam reached out to NFRSA for support, and the charity happily agreed to help her.

Lady Bathurst, NFRSA founder, said: “It was immediately clear when I spoke to Sam that she was not only in deep shock & concerned for her beloved dog, but it was dawning on her the enormity of the financial cost. And while she would have gladly re-mortgaged her house, she decided to reach out to us at the NFRSA. 

“We made a promise on the spot that we would help her. As a charity that has only been formed for three months we knew this would be a challenge, but we were determined to find a way because that is what we do. We help retired service animals in their hour of need.”

Kindly, the veterinary practice agreed to reduce the fee to £4,500 to reflect Keela's service, and an online appeal quickly raised the amount she needed. Sam commented on the support of NFRSA and those who donated: “Even though she is retired, I still see Keela as my partner and protector. 

“I feel blessed to have had her as my police dog and I am so thankful that she pulled through the operation. I am deeply grateful to the NFRSA for their help. It means everything to us both.”

 

Image (C) NFRSA

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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.