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: 15th March 2022
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

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.”

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

RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent

News Story 1
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."