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National Pet Month launches 2021 campaign
The theme of this year's National Pet Month Campaign is 'Pets and People: Caring for Each Other'.
Event aims to raise vital funds for UK pet welfare charities and organisations.

Veterinary practices are being urged to set up online fundraisers for UK pet charities and rescue centres as part of National Pet Month (April 1-May 3).

As the nation starts to ease out of lockdown, National Pet Month (NPM) aims to celebrate life with pets, highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and recognise the positive impact of pets on our mental and physical health.

This year's theme is ‘Pets and People: Caring for Each Other’, and practices are being urged to share the hashtags #NationalPetMonth21 or #NPM21 in your social posts, tagging NPM and other relevant organisations.

Previously a registered charity, NPM has been restructured as an educational awareness community for pet lovers. The UK NPM campaign will, however, continue to run from April to May every year.

“This means we can dedicate all our energy to education, which is where our passion and expertise lies,” explained Michael Bellingham, NPM spokesperson and chief executive of the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association.

“We will continue to spread important messages around responsible pet ownership and how to keep our companion animals happy and healthy all year round. We'll also bring you inspiring and fun pet stories through our social channels and website, plus lots of advice and support from our vet and pet professional colleagues.”

He continues: “Making these changes enables us to encourage our amazing community of pet lovers, to help spread the message on responsible pet ownership and continue to raise vital funds for their favourite UK pet welfare charities and organisations. 

“These are difficult times, and these charities need our support now more than ever.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.