Charity initiative hopes to educate pet owners
A new charity vet squad is on a mission to tackle some of the UK's troubling pet health and welfare issues.
The team consists of over 50 vets and nurses, one for each of the PDSA's pet hospitals.
They will educate animal owners on preventative healthcare, with the aim of boosting the uptake of vaccinations, neutering, parasite treatments and microchipping.
Figures from the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report show more than 6 million pets are not receiving their booster vaccinations, while 4.1 million dogs, cats and rabbits have not been neutered, leaving them open to a number of potentially deadly, preventable diseases.
Furthermore, the report found 6.3 million pets in the UK are not microchipped. Many owners remain unaware of upcoming legislation making this procedure compulsory for all dogs in England.
The PDSA formed the vet squad with the help of a £550,000 funding award from the People's Postcode Lottery.
Nicola Martin, the charity's head of pet health and welfare, said the money will make a huge difference in addressing some of the main welfare issues affecting our pets.
Funds will also enable the charity to hold open days at its hospitals to engage with the public, as well as developing a new range of pet health advice materials and hosting live Q&A sessions on social media with vets and nurses.
Image courtesy of PDSA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
