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Volunteer VNs Needed for Homeless Animal Care
Veterinary Nurses are being called upon to help the animals of the homeless.

Crisis, a charity devoted to caring for the nation's single homeless, is calling for Veterinary Nurses and other staff in the veterinary sector to help with client's dogs over the Christmas period.

The 'Crisis at Christmas' drive is running nine temporary centres in London from December 23 to December 30 in which the capital's homeless can get a hot meal, health checks and housing advice. A call for veterinary volunteers has been put out, as Crisis also offers kennelling and veterinary check-ups for their client's dogs.

The charity is asking for volunteers with professional experience of dog care and handling. A Crisis spokesman said “We would welcome anyone with these skills, especially VNs.”

Rob Lane, Crisis' Dog Service Organiser, first volunteered in Christmas 2004. He signed up for five shifts as a general volunteer at the shelter, but quickly found that the client's dogs won his heart.

“Halfway through my third shift I went to help out in the dogs' area and thought it was really enjoyable, so I stayed there for my remaining shifts'” Rob said.

“I liked it so much that I took over as service organiser the following year. I'm hooked.'

To volunteer for Crisis at Christmas or to find out more, visit their website

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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.

 

Click here for more...
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.