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Five Rs help owners and dogs

PDSA releases travelling advice

As the warm weather holds out, the PDSA has issued advice for owners planning trips away with their dogs.

The new Bark and Ride code is based on Five Rs - routine, restrain, relax, refuel and responsibility.

The charity has advised owners on how to get used to a car and ensure journeys are linked with fun, and that pets are properly restrained with a harness or carrier.

PDSA senior vet Elaine Pendlebury said: "Having a pet on the loose in the car is a recipe for disaster. I have lost count of the amount of times I have seen dogs sat up front with their owners or hanging their head out of the car window.

"I’ve even seen a driver with a cat draped round their neck!  While this might seem like a bit of fun, the consequences for drivers, pedestrians and the pets could be fatal if there’s an accident."

Tips also cover how to get pets to relax, ensuring they have plenty of water and supplies and being aware of the temperature inside the car.

The new holidays guide is available for download from the PDSA's website.

Images courtesy of the PDSA.

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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. 

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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.