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Petplan pledges free pet insurance for Ukrainian refugees
“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the events in Ukraine and the impact the war is having on people and their pets" Kieran O'Keeffe, Petplan.
Pets will be able to receive treatment for their first year in the UK.

Insurance provider Petplan has announced that it will be offering free pet insurance to all Ukrainian families bringing their pets to the UK via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Announcing the move at the recent Petplan Veterinary Awards, the insurer revealed that pets will be able to receive treatment under its Classic Covered for Life policy. Under this policy, owners will be able to claim up to £4,000 should their pet fall ill or become injured during the first year of living in the UK.

It comes after Petplan's charity arm - the Petplan Charitable Trust - donated £25,000 to the Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund to help animal welfare charities on the Ukrainian front line.

Kieran O'Keeffe, managing director at Petplan, said: “We are deeply concerned and saddened by the events in Ukraine and the impact the war is having on people and their pets. At Petplan, we know that pets are part of the family and that many Ukrainians are taking their pets with them as they flee to safety. 

“We recognise the important role pets will continue to play in the lives of these Ukrainian families. We hope that by providing them with free Petplan insurance we can at least reduce their concerns over veterinary costs and ensure that their pets have access to the care they need.” 

To find out more about the support, Ukrainian families or their English-speaking hosts may contact Petplan on 0330 057 3662. 

Should a pet be presented to a UK veterinary practice by a Ukrainian refugee without pet insurance, the practice team should call Petplan’s Vetline on 0330 102 1606 - and financial support will be provided retrospectively.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.