RSPCA discuss working with vets
Image: Rebecca Willby
At the recent BSAVA Congress, the RSPCA held a talk on improving relations with vets, and updating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU establishes the RSPCA contribution to initial emergency treatment (IET) of injured or sick wildlife and stray animals.
During the talk, Rebecca Willby of the RSPCA spoke frankly of common criticisms of the current systems in place for IET payments.
In a 2012 BVA survey, it was indicated that on average the actual cost of IET is £119 - this is an average of £96 in hours and £156 out of hours. The maximum amount contributed by the RSPCA however is £60+VAT in hours and a further £60+VAT out of hours.
Criticisms of the current system, Ms Willby continued, relate largely to the charity making late payments, ambivalent rules and payments being too small, not taking into consideration ongoing care and boarding.
Vets also reported being uncomfortable with having to justify their decisions to the National Control Centre (NCC), when contacting them regarding a wildlife or stray animal in the practice.
In response to this, Ms Willby says, a "self-billing" IET trial is being conducted. Under this system when the vet phones the NCC regarding an animal, an HMRC invoice is generated, and a no-quibble fixed payment will be issued within ten days.
Fourteen practices are currently participating in the trial, and by 21 March this year, 189 self-billing incidents had been completed. The trial currently covers cats, dogs in extremis and all wildlife larger than an adult duck. The RSPCA contribution is fixed at £50+VAT in hours and a further £60+VAT out of hours.
The charity aim to see 1000 self-billing incidents before the trial will conclude, and then the system may extend to vaccination and neutering clinics. It was also noted that the MoU may also be reviewed and developed further at a later date.
Concluding the discussion, Ms Willby recommended that vets build relationships with their local RSPCA centres, in order to manage expectations. She said: "The future - well surely it has to be about collaboration."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
