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Spike in pet owners seeking travel guidance
The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a huge rise in pet owners visiting their vet for advice on travel.
Brexit uncertainty fuelling frustration and anxiety among pet owners

The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a huge rise in pet owners visiting their vet for advice on travel, according to the BVA.

Figures from the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey reveal more than 8 in 10 companion animal vets (85 per cent) have been approached about pet travel, with many owners expressing anger or frustration.

Some 74 per cent of vets reported seeing a rise in enquiries since November, with 40 per cent describing a significant spike. Vets said they had owners directing anger towards them over the uncertainty, additional testing requirements and longer wait times.

Around half (48 per cent) of vets said that could respond to most of the questions about pet travel. However, many felt unable to answer some queries owing to the current uncertainty over Brexit timeframes and what form it will take.

The survey also revealed that clients who need to travel regularly are feeling especially inconvenienced. This includes dog show or Canicross participants, those with holiday homes abroad, and people travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

Vets reported that while some people are getting rabies serology tests done now to prepare for all eventualities, many are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach to avoid the additional costs and steps involved.

BVA president Simon Doherty said: “It is understandable that the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit and expected changes to the pet travel requirements are stoking anxiety and frustration among pet owners and prompting a lot of questions.

“We also remain sensitive to the particular lack of clarity over the movement of pets between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“We would reiterate our advice to pet owners to discuss any summer travel plans with their vet now to avoid disappointment and ensure that all the tests and checks required in the event of a no-deal situation have been completed in good time.

“Leaving the EU with no agreement in place could lead to owners facing longer waits to get their pet cleared for travel and higher costs for the required vaccination, treatments and health certificates each time they leave the UK.”

For guidance on pet travel after Brexit visit the BVA and government websites. 

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk