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RSPCA welcomes cat microchipping consultation
Cat microchipping is one of a series of consultations announced over the weekend to protect animal welfare in the UK.

Move announced as part of Government’s plan for animal welfare

The announcement by the UK Government that it is to consult on introducing compulsory microchipping for cats, has been welcomed by animal welfare charity RSPCA.


The consultation, announced on Saturday (28 September), followed a petition launched by Cats Protection after figures revealed around eight in ten strays they take into rescue aren’t microchipped.

RSPCA head of affairs David Bowels said: “We welcome today’s announcement to consult on introducing compulsory microchipping for cats. Microchipping your pet is vitally important in ensuring that if anything happens to them, if they are lost or stolen, or hit by a car, then they can be returned to their owner. 


“Whilst there are challenges on how any legislation would be enforced and what cats it would cover, the RSPCA welcomes this latest announcement as a positive move towards increasing cat microchipping by making it a legal requirement in England for owners to microchip their cats.”


Cat microchipping is one of a series of consultations announced over the weekend to protect animal welfare in the UK. As part of its Animal Welfare Action Plan, the government has also pledged to consult on a ban on the keeping of primates as pets, a ban on live exports, and to strengthen the law on trophy hunting. 


David Bowels continued: “We welcome today’s announcement on four important issues of animal welfare. In particular, we have campaigned to end live exports for over 30 years due to the misery it brings to animals enduring long and stressful journeys and we have also long called for a complete ban on the keeping of primates as pets.

“As we prepare to leave the EU we have been calling on the Government to ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained and improved and we are pleased that the Government appears to be starting to deliver on this by putting better welfare at the heart of its agenda.”

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

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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.