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Independent practice wins Practice of the Year
House & Jackson says it is 'proud' to have remained independent.
House & Jackson called the award an ‘enormous compliment’.

House & Jackson, an independent veterinary practice in Essex, has been named Practice of the Year at the Petplan Veterinary Awards.

The practice said it was ‘absolutely wonderful’ to win the accolade, having been nominated for the award by its clients.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Petplan Veterinary Awards, which received 38,000 nominations from clients and veterinary staff. House & Jackson was selected as one of three finalists, before being named Practice of the Year at a ceremony in Manchester.

The equine and small animal practice began in 1980 as a husband-and-wife team operating out of their own home.

It has since developed into an RCVS-accredited hospital, with two additional Pet Clinics nearby.

Throughout its history House & Jackson says it is ‘proud’ to have remained independent, and to have succeeded against corporate-owned competitors. The award-winning practice is a member of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), a community of independent practices which support each other to thrive in a challenging industry climate.

House & Jackson attributes its success to its ‘wonderfully talented’ veterinary surgeons and nurses, as well as an ‘incredible’ team of support staff.

It says that its passion and commitment to animals has rewarded the practice with loyal clients.

Following its win the practice has said that it will continue to provide its clients and patients with the best possible care, while extending the work it does with local charities RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The practice maintains that customer service remains its focus, as it continues to improve customer experience.

A spokesperson for House & Jackson said: “We wholeheartedly embrace being an independent practice; it allows us to take our own path, and we believe it makes us that little bit more special.

“We didn’t set out to win this award, but being recognised by our clients and the Petplan panel in this way is an enormous compliment. Other independents should feel equally empowered by their individuality.”

Image © Petplan

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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.