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Purr therapy
Elderly person and cat
Studies have shown that pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives.

How caring for pets is proven to boost mental health

We all know that pets can provide companionship, love and are a great source of motivation. But in recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that pets can also help us to live mentally healthier lives.

In December 2016, research by the University of Manchester found that pets can help with the management of long-term medical health conditions. In the study, 54 adults with severe mental illnesses were asked to rate the importance of their family, friends, pets, healthcare professionals and hobbies.

Interestingly, 60 per cent of participants stated that pets were 'most important' to them and 20 per cent said that pets were 'of secondary importance'. When asked to give their reasons, the participants said that the consistent presence of pets provided an immediate source of calm. Some also felt that their pets helped to distract them from their symptoms and offered valuable support during times of crisis. 

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Building Great Workplaces webinars return

News Story 1
 BVA has announced a new series of its Building Great Workplaces lunchtime webinars.

Launching from 16 July, the sessions will explore patient safety, motivation, client communication and more.

Its first webinar, exploring neurodiversity in the workplace, will take place at 1pm on Thursday, 16 July. It will feature guest speakers from The Vet Project, a group which supports neurodiversity in veterinary environments.

The following three webinars take place in September, October and November.

Booking is open on the BVA website 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.