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Independent vet group opens sixth practice
The new practice has invested in bespoke pods in the waiting area.
Harrison Family Vets first opened in 2021.

An independent, family-owned veterinary group has opened its new practice – its sixth in the three years that it has been open.

Harrison Family Vets has invested £350,000 in its new practice in Tyldesley, Wigan, which joins its existing sites in Reading, the Midlands, Manchester, Stockton and Doncaster.

Through this investment the group has been able to install Casco cat, dog and exotic pet kennels, which have in-built heat pads, an advanced lighting system and a cleaning mode to illuminate organic materials. It includes cat kennels with removable partitions, so cats can sleep separately from litter boxes or sleep with other cats they are brought in with.

The new practice has further invested in bespoke pods in the waiting area, as well as mood lighting, pet-friendly pheromones and music in the wards

Kristie Faulkner, operations director, said: “We like to do things differently and that’s why we are always looking at new ways to deliver the very best care to our pets and clients.”

The practices’ veterinary teams are also working towards a Fear Free Veterinary Practice Accreditation, after its Reading site became the first practice outside of North America to achieve the accreditation.

The Fear Free Accreditation is designed to prevent pets from experiencing fear, anxiety and stress  in veterinary practices. Through online and in-person certifications, veterinary teams are encouraged to promote calmer interactions during veterinary visits.

Mr Harrison, managing director, said: “To significantly reduce fear, stress and anxiety for both pets and their owners, helping to make every pet’s visit to Harrison Family Vets as positive as possible, is the ultimate goal.”

The independent veterinary group was founded by Mr Harrison and Ms Faulkner in 2021. Mr Harrison originally developed his previous family business, White Cross Vets, which had 20 practices before being acquired by IVC Evidensia.

Harrison Family Vets’ latest practice forms part of its long-term goals to open 50 practices by 2030. The group plans on launching practices in Leeds, Stoke, Darlington and Newcastle.

Image © Harrison Family Vets

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.