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RCVS shares new resources for pet owners
The resources cover a number of key topics and has been sorted into ten sections.
It gives advice on choosing practices and the process of vet care.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has released a new set of online resources designed to support pet owners with making decisions about their pet's health.

Stored in the help and advice section of the RCVS website, the guide details the responsibilities that animal owners and veterinary teams hold in maintaining the health and welfare of pets.

The resource shares vital information for pet owners about what to expect from veterinary care, and what is expected of them, through the different stages of pet ownership. It explains the professional obligations that both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are committed to in their care.

The guide covers a number of different topics, seeking to address key questions asked by pet owners. It has been organised into ten different sections.

Pet owners are offered vital support with making the important decision of choosing a veterinary practice. This will be followed by the key steps for signing up.

It also provides a 'who's who' of the veterinary team, explaining the roles they each play in treating pets and delivering veterinary care. This also includes a detailed explanation of emergency and out-of-hours care.

Users will also benefit from sections on pricing, prescription medication and complaints procedures, topics which have each made headlines as part of the Competition and Markets Authority investigation into the sector.

The resource has been created with input from RCVS' Public Advisory Group (PAG). Founded in 2023, the PAG includes owners and keepers of companion animals, equines and production animals, as well as other users of veterinary services.

RCVS says that the PAG's involvement has been essential to providing appropriate help and advice to support animal owners.

Louise Allum, chair of the RCVS PAG, said: "The PAG has performed an essential role in helping to inform the content creation for our animal owner help and advice resource, highlighting the need for greater transparency and support, particularly around veterinary fees, treatment options, and what to expect from vet practices.

"Veterinary professionals work tirelessly to provide the most appropriate care for their patients, and we want to support this by ensuring pet owners have access to clear, accessible information about their rights, responsibilities, and the role of veterinary teams to ensure that expectations are managed.”

The resources can be accessed here.

Image © RCVS

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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...
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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.