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Medical Detection Dogs issues call for puppy socialisers
The puppies will be trained to detect diseases like Parkinson's and bowel cancer. 

Volunteers will help raise a new litter of golden retriever Labrador cross puppies.

UK charity Medical Detection Dogs is appealing for volunteers to help raise its new litter of assistance puppies.

The four golden retriever Labrador cross puppies were born on 19 July and will one day, be trained to detect serious illnesses such as bowel cancer and Parkinson’s disease, much faster and less invasively than other methods. 

The dogs may also go on to provide life-changing support as Medical Alert Assistance Dogs.

Medical Detection Dogs is specifically looking for volunteers to assist with the puppies’ basic daily training, and gradually increase their exposure to public environments.
                             
Chris Allen, head of dog supply and training at Medical Detection Dogs, said: “The arrival of this new litter is a joyful milestone for us, but it comes with a pressing challenge. To continue our groundbreaking work in the fight against life-threatening diseases, we urgently need more volunteer puppy socialisers to step forward. 

“Their role is absolutely critical; without them these dogs cannot gain the vital foundations they need to one day save lives as disease detection and assistance dogs”.

Volunteers should ideally be based within an hour of Medical Detection Dogs hubs in Milton Keynes, Essex or Perth. 

Socialisers should also be at home regularly with their puppy, provide them with their daily nutritional needs, follow positive training methods, and introduce them to a wide variety of everyday environments.

Image (C) Medical Detection Dogs.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.