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Spike in pet owners seeking travel guidance
The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a huge rise in pet owners visiting their vet for advice on travel.
Brexit uncertainty fuelling frustration and anxiety among pet owners

The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a huge rise in pet owners visiting their vet for advice on travel, according to the BVA.

Figures from the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey reveal more than 8 in 10 companion animal vets (85 per cent) have been approached about pet travel, with many owners expressing anger or frustration.

Some 74 per cent of vets reported seeing a rise in enquiries since November, with 40 per cent describing a significant spike. Vets said they had owners directing anger towards them over the uncertainty, additional testing requirements and longer wait times.

Around half (48 per cent) of vets said that could respond to most of the questions about pet travel. However, many felt unable to answer some queries owing to the current uncertainty over Brexit timeframes and what form it will take.

The survey also revealed that clients who need to travel regularly are feeling especially inconvenienced. This includes dog show or Canicross participants, those with holiday homes abroad, and people travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

Vets reported that while some people are getting rabies serology tests done now to prepare for all eventualities, many are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach to avoid the additional costs and steps involved.

BVA president Simon Doherty said: “It is understandable that the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit and expected changes to the pet travel requirements are stoking anxiety and frustration among pet owners and prompting a lot of questions.

“We also remain sensitive to the particular lack of clarity over the movement of pets between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“We would reiterate our advice to pet owners to discuss any summer travel plans with their vet now to avoid disappointment and ensure that all the tests and checks required in the event of a no-deal situation have been completed in good time.

“Leaving the EU with no agreement in place could lead to owners facing longer waits to get their pet cleared for travel and higher costs for the required vaccination, treatments and health certificates each time they leave the UK.”

For guidance on pet travel after Brexit visit the BVA and government websites. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.