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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th April 2021
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

National Pet Month gets underway
The theme of this year's event is Pets and People: Caring for Each Other.
Event will focus on the five pet welfare needs. 

As National Pet Month gets underway (April 1 – May 3), the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) is calling on veterinary professionals to support each other as the nation slowly eases out of lockdown. 

This year’s campaign focuses on the five animal welfare needs and the physical and mental health benefits of pets, as well as the tireless work of the veterinary profession throughout the pandemic. 

NOAH chief executive, Dawn Howard, said: “In these challenging times, it’s so important for us to support each other as well as pet owners and the animals in our care. 

“Focusing on the five pet welfare needs of Companionship, Behaviour, Diet, Health and Environment, the positive impact of pets on our health and the dedication of our veterinary colleagues, and other pet professionals is a firm foundation for our campaign.”

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Pets and People: Caring for Each Other’ - and practices are being urged to share the hashtags #NationalPetMonth21 or #NPM21 on their social media posts, tagging National Pet Month and other relevant organisations. 

The campaign will explore the unique challenges of returning to work, including tips on developing pet-friendly office policies. With pet obesity on the rise, organisers will also provide advice and support to ensure pets are eating well throughout their lifetimes. 

Vaccinations, worming, and other vital care from veterinary professionals will go under the spotlight, with tips and advice for owners to help keep their animals happy and healthy. 

The final week of National Pet Month will highlight efforts to change policy and make pet-friendly rental accommodation the norm, as well as offer advice to new and young pet owners who might be struggling.

A National Pet Month spokesperson said: “National Pet Month is all about collaboration and engagement – working together to celebrate our pets and make their lives better. If you’re planning on creating social content around these five key areas, please tag us in on social media so we can spread the responsible pet ownership message together.”

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

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."