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Further support for pets in rentals campaign
AdvoCATS co-founder Jennifer Berezai and senior consultant Mia.

PFMA and iCatCare have joined AdvoCATS mission. 

Two major UK organisations - International Cat Care (iCatCare) and the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) - have joined the campaign to make renting with pets easier.

The Heads for Tails! campaign is spearheaded by AdvoCATS, an voluntary organisation set up in 2018 to offer free support and advice to landlords and tenants, and assist pet owners struggling to find rental accommodation. 

Established in 1958, iCatCare is a pioneering cat welfare charity, which also has a veterinary division, is at the forefront of feline care and medicine. PFMA is the leading trade body for the UK pet food industry. 

Dr Sarah Ellis, head of Cat Advocacy at iCatCare, said: “In a world where renting is commonplace and where there are so many pet cats relinquished and/or needing homes, making renting with pets easier is a critical contribution to sustaining positive wellbeing for people and pet cats.”

Backing the call to amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to allow a landlord to either request a financially capped pet deposit, or stipulate pet damage insurance, the organisations are adding their support to a number of endorsements, including the National Residential Landlords Association, National Office for Animal Health, and over 40 MPs and Peers, among many others. 

Deputy chief executive of the PFMA, Nicole Paley, explained why it is backing the campaign: “We are delighted to add our support to the important work of AdvoCATS. 

“Our pets have such a positive impact on our lives from reducing stress and anxiety to providing much valued companionship. It is vital we address how we can support owners renting with pets.”

Jen Berezai, co-founder of AdvoCATS welcomed the support: “To have two such well-respected industry names back our campaign is fantastic. 

“We are in discussion with a number of other organisations which have expressed interest in the campaign and, in fact, have just recruited Proptech-PR and ProtectaPet, all of which strengthens our case for the government to adopt the Heads for Tails! Proposals, which will open up pet ownership for thousands - maybe even hundreds of thousands - of tenants.” 

Image (C) AdvoCATS

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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.