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Further support for pets in rentals campaign
AdvoCATS co-founder Jennifer Berezai and senior consultant Mia.

PFMA and iCatCare have joined AdvoCATS mission. 

Two major UK organisations - International Cat Care (iCatCare) and the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) - have joined the campaign to make renting with pets easier.

The Heads for Tails! campaign is spearheaded by AdvoCATS, an voluntary organisation set up in 2018 to offer free support and advice to landlords and tenants, and assist pet owners struggling to find rental accommodation. 

Established in 1958, iCatCare is a pioneering cat welfare charity, which also has a veterinary division, is at the forefront of feline care and medicine. PFMA is the leading trade body for the UK pet food industry. 

Dr Sarah Ellis, head of Cat Advocacy at iCatCare, said: “In a world where renting is commonplace and where there are so many pet cats relinquished and/or needing homes, making renting with pets easier is a critical contribution to sustaining positive wellbeing for people and pet cats.”

Backing the call to amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to allow a landlord to either request a financially capped pet deposit, or stipulate pet damage insurance, the organisations are adding their support to a number of endorsements, including the National Residential Landlords Association, National Office for Animal Health, and over 40 MPs and Peers, among many others. 

Deputy chief executive of the PFMA, Nicole Paley, explained why it is backing the campaign: “We are delighted to add our support to the important work of AdvoCATS. 

“Our pets have such a positive impact on our lives from reducing stress and anxiety to providing much valued companionship. It is vital we address how we can support owners renting with pets.”

Jen Berezai, co-founder of AdvoCATS welcomed the support: “To have two such well-respected industry names back our campaign is fantastic. 

“We are in discussion with a number of other organisations which have expressed interest in the campaign and, in fact, have just recruited Proptech-PR and ProtectaPet, all of which strengthens our case for the government to adopt the Heads for Tails! Proposals, which will open up pet ownership for thousands - maybe even hundreds of thousands - of tenants.” 

Image (C) AdvoCATS

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.