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New app to support pet health during COVID-19
The Pet Health Pal app is powered by Facebook Messenger and WhatsAPP chatbots.

Digital tool will give owners quick access to valuable advice.

A new app to support the health and wellbeing of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond has been launched by Mars PetCare in collaboration with the Waltham Science Institute.

The free Pet Health Pal app, powered by the Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp chatbot system, is being launched both in the UK and USA. It will answer questions from owners related to pet health and ownership, covering topics such as health, food, exercise and happiness.

The tool is the first of its kind, specifically in today's COVID-19 environment, and forms part of Mars' mission 'to create a better world for pets'. Helen Warren-Piper, general manager of Mars PetCare UK, explains:
“During COVID-19, a number of pet parents have got in touch with questions and concerns about how best to take care of their pets during the pandemic. This is why at Mars Petcare we are launching the “Pet Health Pal” app, giving pet owners in our pet-loving nation easy and quick access to valuable advice and resources provided by experts at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

"From pet nutrition to general wellbeing “Pet Health Pal” will help pet parents give their four-legged friends the best possible care.”

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk