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Online pet communities saved
Phil Sketchley

National Pet Month takes over two pet pages

National Pet Month has saved two online pet communities, Park Bench and Scratching Post, which were set to close.

The Facebook sites, which have more than 100,000 followers, were connected to the petnet website, which closed at the end of August.

National Pet Month will now be able to connect with thousands more pet lovers after it officially took over the sites in September. 

Chairman of National Pet Month, Phil Sketchley, says: "We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming the Park Bench and Scratching Post communities into the National Pet Month family and really looking forward to connecting with the thousands of cat and dog lovers who regularly post on the two pages, sharing their stories and their love for their pets."

 

The team are looking to bring fans of the two pages lots of dog and cat news and photos, encouraging the continued growth of both communities.

 

Phil adds: "These are two truly amazing communities that reflect just how much our pets mean to us and fit perfectly with the key aims of National Pet Month which include promoting responsible pet ownership and helping to raise cash for the UK’s pet charities."

 

 

 

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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.