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RWAF launches enhanced Rabbit Friendly Vet Scheme
Accredited practices will now receive a score for each individual module of rabbit care.
It supports rabbit owners seeking vets.

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) has officially launched an enhanced version of its Rabbit Friendly Vet Scheme.

The group describes the new scheme as a ‘major step forward’ in supporting the standards of rabbit veterinary care in the UK.

The Rabbit Friendly Vet Scheme is designed to support rabbit owners with finding a practice with specific understanding of rabbits and their care. It has now been in development for over 20 years.

RWAF’s 2026 scheme is said to provide greater transparency, higher clinical standards, and clearer guidance for rabbit owners seeking expert care.

It is structured as a modular assessment framework, which divides the application of rabbit care into 16 areas of practice. This includes reception, inpatient care, clinical expertise, nursing and surgical provision.

This framework means that, even if a practice does not achieve the highest overall award, it is still able to demonstrate excellence in areas of rabbit care.

Accredited practices will now receive a score for each individual module, overall award rating and a detailed certificate highlighting their strengths across different areas.

It is hoped that the scheme will empower rabbit owners when making decisions about their pet’s care. They will be able to choose a practice based on their specific needs and the practice team’s level of expertise.

Each practice application to the scheme will be reviewed and approved by vet specialist advisor John Chitty.

Mr Chitty said: “We are delighted to see the first practices come through and be accredited under our new enhanced standards scheme. Congratulations to them all!

“This scheme gives each one the opportunity to show the areas of their practices that are truly excellent for rabbits - and also shows rabbit owners that they are genuinely serious and committed to the welfare of the pet rabbits in their care.”

Emily Barker, from independent veterinary practice Cedar Vets, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the RWAF Silver Plus Rabbit Friendly Practice Award. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of rabbit welfare and clinical care here at Cedar Vets.”

Image © Shutterstock.com/Stella_E

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.