New clinic broadens veterinary student skills
The University of Nottingham is preparing to open a veterinary clinic to care for pets of the homeless and vulnerably housed, which will be led by students.
Under a project named Vets in the Community, the clinic will allow veterinary students to provide health checks and straightforward treatment to Nottingham's less fortunate pets, with the supervision of qualified staff.
The project will benefit both pet owners in the city, as well as providing veterinary students with hands-on practical experience to broaden their skills – and take them out of their comfort zone.
A venue has been provided by The Big Issue Foundation, a charity for the UK's homeless and vulnerably housed, alongside a grant from the university's Cascade Fund to help make the project a success.
Further support has been provided by Dogs Trust, MSD Animal Heath, Cats Protection and the local Rushcliffe Veterinary Centre.
Rebecca Fallman, a fourth-year veterinary student at Nottingham, who has taken part in pilot sessions at the clinic, said the work is very rewarding.
"By providing simple advice and treatment, we have seen a visible difference in a short space of time. The clinics have also given us the chance to improve our communication skills and appreciate the different bond that people have with their animals."
Click here to find out more about Vets in the Community.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
