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: 16th July 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

Vets in holiday hotspots ‘busier than ever’
Pet owners are being urged to seek advice about preventative healthcare before they go on holiday.

Pet owners urged to plan ahead of holidays this summer. 

Vets in some of the UK’s top tourist destinations are said to be 'busier than ever' ahead of the easing of coronavirus restrictions on Monday (19 July).

The BVA says that it has been hearing from members in the South West in particular about an influx of tourists and the need for pet owners to plan ahead if they need access to veterinary provisions.

With a rise in holiday bookings, the start of the school summer holidays, and an increase in pet ownership during the pandemic, it could put extra pressure on many practices already struggling with the impact of COVID-19.

In a bid to avoid overwhelming practices in popular holiday hotspots, the BVA has put together a checklist that includes specific actions owners can take ahead of their ‘Great British Petaway’. 

The actions include speaking to their local vet about preventive healthcare before travelling, making sure they have enough supplies of any medication their pet might be taking, and identifying a local vet in the area where they will be staying. 

BVA Senior Vice President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We’re hearing from vets in popular holiday hotspots that they are already busier than ever, and with lockdown restrictions easing and school holidays around the corner, summer breaks in the UK with pets are only expected to soar. 

“Pets are a huge part of the family and so it’s understandable that some owners will want to take them along on holiday, but it’s important to plan in advance. Of course, emergencies may happen and vets will always be there for you and your pets, but with some preparation ahead of travel, you can help avoid overwhelming local veterinary practices in your destination as well as ensure peace of mind for you and top health for your pet.”

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

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.