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RSPCA centres planned for UK pet stores
Image: Gavin Grant and Nick Wood
Pets at Home to have in-store adoption centres

The RSPCA has announced plans to open several adoption centres in Pets at Home stores across England and Wales.

The second of these centres opened on Friday, May 10 in Friern Barnet in London. Pets at Home CEO Nick Wood and RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant were present to officially open the centre.

Mr Grant said: "I'm excited by the prospect of more rescued pets being re-homed and many more people being educated about better animal care and welfare."

The centre includes a living area intended to give customers a relaxed setting to meet pets and seek advice on pet care and adoption.

It will house up to four cats and four rabbits, and dogs in need of re-homing will also be brought in at weekends. Furthermore, RSPCA staff will provide information about other animals available for adoption in the local area.

The two organisations plan to collaborate on promotional work aimed at providing owners with advice on the dietary and welfare needs of rabbits and other small pets.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Wood said: "We’ve been working hard to develop Pets at Home and RSPCA joint branded pet care literature and ensure customers are making the right decision when introducing a new pet to the family.

"The new adoption centre in Friern Barnet will be followed by several other exciting projects over the next few years."

Image credit: RSPCA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.