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Vets urged to promote pre-purchase consults
"Vets are in a unique position to use their influence to encourage clients to use The Puppy Contract."

Many owners still unaware their vet can provide advice on choosing a pet

Vets are being urged to promote pre-purchase consultations to help prospective pet owners make responsible buying decisions.

The call comes as figures from the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey reveal that while awareness of The Puppy Contract has almost doubled among companion animal vets (from 29 per cent to 56 per cent), the proportion of clients who actually use it is only estimated to be around 2.5 per cent.

BVA junior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see that more than half of companion animal vets are now aware of the Puppy Contract and recognise its immense benefits. But with many pet owners still not aware that their vet can be an invaluable first stop for advice on the right pet for them, it’s important that we promote pre-purchase consultations to ensure prospective owners make an informed choice and get a healthy, happy and well-socialised pet from a responsible breeder.”

The Puppy Contract is a free, downloadable toolkit developed by the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) and the RSPCA, backed by leading animal welfare charities and veterinary organisations. It consists of an information section about the puppy and its parents and a legally binding contract for sale between the buyer and the breeder.

BVA’s survey found that 85 per cent of vets agree that using the Puppy Contract benefits and informs owners. But, of the 56 per cent of vets that said they were aware of the contract, around half said clients did not come to them for advice on buying a puppy.

AWF chair of trustees Chris Laurence said: “We believe that every dog should be born with the best possible chance of living a healthy and happy life, which is why we created The Puppy Contract as a free tool to empower puppy buyers to make an informed decision when buying a puppy. As trusted experts, vets are in a unique position to use their influence to encourage clients to use The Puppy Contract, whether they are breeding dogs or looking for a new best friend to join the family.”

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens added: "We'd encourage all vets to recommend using The Puppy Contract to their clients and any prospective puppy owners. At a time when buying a happy, healthy puppy from a responsible breeder has never been more difficult, The Puppy Contract is a document that can help families trying to navigate this minefield - and, hopefully, better protect dog welfare here in England & Wales."

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.