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BSAVA publishes new reptile welfare leaflets
(rested geckos are among the species covered by the leaflets.
The leaflets provide welfare advice to would-be owners.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new series of client information leaflets on caring for pet reptiles.

The leaflets give would-be owners key information on how to meet reptiles’ welfare needs through appropriate housing, feeding, handling and medication, as well as tips on how to spot health problems.

The content is based on information from the BSAVA Manual of Reptiles and has been reviewed by Simon Girling, head of veterinary services at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

The initial run of leaflets covers the species which are most commonly kept as pets:
    • Bearded dragons
    • Crested geckos
    • Leopard geckos
    • Iguanas
    • Snakes
    • Tortoises
    • Terrapins.

As terrapins can no longer be legally bought in the UK, due to being designated an invasive species, the leaflet about them focuses on care and welfare advice for people who already own them.

The new series has been published at a time when data suggests that the number of people keeping pet reptiles in the UK is increasing.

Pet Food’s annual survey of UK pet ownership found that around five per cent of households owned a pet reptile in 2023, an increase from 3.4 per cent in 2022.

The new leaflets are available to download and print through the BSAVA Library. They are free for BSAVA members. Non-members can pay for a subscription to the library.

Image © Shutterstock

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.