Petplan says the decision was made "to help to minimise risk to the profession."

Decision made following growing concerns over COVID-19

The Petplan Veterinary Awards, scheduled to take place on 2 April in Birmingham alongside BSAVA Congress, have been cancelled as a result of concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.

Petplan joins a number of other businesses and organisations that are cancelling or postponing large-scale public events in an attempt to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In a statement, the pet insurance company said: “At Petplan we take the welfare of all of our employees, partners and customers very seriously and in response to the wider COVID-19 situation have decided not to go ahead with the Petplan Veterinary Awards ceremony.

“This aligns with feedback from some of our valued veterinary partners on the increased steps being taken to help minimise risk to the profession.”

“We would like to congratulate all of the finalists for this year’s awards and are looking forward to celebrating their achievements and announcing the winners by the end of April.”

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Petplan Veterinary Awards, with more than 37,000 nominations received across the year for categories including Practice of the Year and Vet of the Year.