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Pet owners snub new RSA policy changes
dog with vets
87 per cent of owners would not take out an insurance policy that specifies where their pet must go for major operations.

New policies specify where pets must go for referral treatment

Almost 90 per cent of owners would not take out pet insurance with a company that dictates where their pet should be sent for referral treatment, a new survey has revealed.

The figure comes as Tesco and More Than adopt Royal & Sun Alliance policies which state that pets who need specialist treatment must be taken to one of 29 centres as approved by RSA.

Those who do not take their pet to a centre on the RSA’s approved ‘referral network’ could face a fine of £200.

The survey of 1,000 pet owners shows that 87 per cent of owners would not take out an insurance policy that specifies where their pet must go for major operations.

To read the full story visit vetcommunity.com.

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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.