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Government announces support for Ukrainian refugees with pets
Ukrainian nationals will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government.
Costs of vaccination, microchipping and quarantine will be covered.

Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK with their pets will have their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs covered by the government, it has been confirmed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced today (15 March) that it has introduced new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets.

A statement reads: 'Using an emergency licence, Ukrainian nationals can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government. 

'The government will also be covering their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs, recognising that many Ukrainian individuals will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pet on arrival. '

A pet that has not been vaccinated against rabies may be quarantined for up to four months. Defra said that it will consider pets 'on a case by case basis, with a shortened quarantine period for those that are vaccinated.' 

'We are working with vets and quarantine facilities to make sure that the arrival of Ukrainians in the UK is not delayed by the process to make arrangements for their pets,' the statement continued.

Ukrainian nationals are encouraged to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 option 2 before their arrival. They will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency licence and arrange any quarantine stays required to complete the rabies risk management process. 

Owing to the limited number of quarantine facilities in the UK, those fleeing Ukraine with their pets will be prioritised over animals brought over on a commercial basis, which includes rescue imports.

Animal welfare minister Lord Goldsmith said: “Ukrainian nationals are in an appalling situation. I’m pleased that Ukrainian refugees will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs paid for by the Government.

“As part of our new streamlined process, any animals which have already received some treatment may also have their stay in quarantine reduced and be returned back to their owner as soon as possible.”

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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."