Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.