Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Retired service animals charity reaches grant milestone
RPD Jango is one of the dogs supported by the charity.
The NFRSA has helped owners access veterinary care.

A charity which provides financial assistance for retired service animals in need of veterinary care is celebrating reaching a major milestone.

The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), which was launched in 2022, has now provided more than £100,000 in grants in just two years.

Because of their age and the work they have done, it can be harder to access affordable pet insurance for retired service animals. The NFRSA has provided support to dogs and horses which have worked in sectors including the police, fire and rescue, the prison service, Border Force, the National Crime Agency, and the NHS.

The grants have helped owners afford a wide range of veterinary treatments, from regular medications to major operations.

The charity has worked to ensure that the retired animals have received the care they need right up until the end of their lives. In one case, the charity provided a grant of just over £1,500 to cover the cost of RPD Jango,  a German shepherd who had retired from Police Scotland, being put to sleep after he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

The Countess Bathurst, founder and chair of the NFRSA, said: “Reaching the £100,000 milestone is a truly humbling moment for all of us at the NFRSA.

“These grants represent our unwavering commitment to supporting the retired service animals who have given so much to us all. Their bravery and dedication deserve nothing less, and we are honoured to play a part in ensuring their wellbeing in retirement.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, donors, and the incredible work of our volunteers. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of these remarkable animals and their devoted owners.”

Image © NFRSA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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...
News Shorts
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.