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Dog care professionals invited to new conference
The conference aims to provide delegates with a better understanding of the inner workings of a dog's mind.

Dogs Trust to host dog emotion and behaviour conference in Scotland.

For the first time, Dogs Trust is hosting a conference on dog emotion and behaviour, being held in Glasgow on Saturday, 20 May and Sunday, 21 May. It is aimed at dog care professionals and individuals that are considering a career working with dogs.

The conference aims to provide delegates with a better understanding of the inner workings of a dog’s mind, and will offer support with high-welfare and evidence-based professional development opportunities.

During the event, delegates will have the chance to attend workshops on topics such as diffusing emotional situations and putting communication into practice. There will also be a series of talks from experts in dog behaviour including Dr Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour and research at Dogs Trust, River McDonald, director of Edinburgh Dog Behaviour and Stephanie Zikmann, founder of the Holistic Grooming Academy.  

The speakers' talks will cover a range of subjects including understanding and applying emotion, dealing with challenging behaviours in practice and owner communication, emotional wellbeing for pet professionals, and low stress handling in the pet care industry.

Dr Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust said: “We are delighted to launch this conference in Scotland, the first of its kind, to support pet care professionals.
Dog walkers, day care providers, groomers, sitters, boarders and other care professionals can play a very important role in the lives of the nation’s dogs.

"This conference brings together dog behaviour and professional experts to offer an amazing range of education opportunities, from lectures to workshops.”

Those wishing to attend the conference -
The Key to Success: Emotion and Behaviour for Dog Care Professionals, can purchase tickets online. There is also the option to purchase recordings of the key speakers.

Image (C) Dogs Trust

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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...
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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.