We are delighted to announce that applications for our full time September Start programmes are now open for enrolment:
Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management
Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
Further details on each course can be found using the links above.
To apply please visit our website.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is inviting responses from veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and animal owners to a call for evidence on the provision of 24-hour emergency veterinary care, in order to understand how best to meet the expectations of all those involved.
In an open letter to the profession and the public published on the RCVS website on 23 December 2013, the Chairman of the RCVS Standards Committee, Clare Tapsfield-Wright, explains the reasons behind the initiative, saying:
“Over the past two years, lay people working with the RCVS have raised questions about the veterinary profession’s ability to provide 24/7 to the extent required by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, and said there is a disconnect between the public’s expectations and the profession’s capacity to meet those expectations.”
Mrs Tapsfield-Wright also refers to an RCVS Disciplinary Committee (DC) Inquiry in June 2013, which raised a number of issues on home visits by veterinary surgeons, including: speed of response; travelling time and distance; daytime versus out-of-hours obligations; individual versus corporate responsibility; and, staffing levels and contingency plans.
The letter, which is available on the RCVS website is accompanied by a range of background information, including the reports of Lay Observers to the RCVS Preliminary Investigation Committee; Working Party reports from the College’s 2009 consultation on 24-hour emergency cover; and, further details about the June 2013 DC Inquiry.
Additional feedback will be sought through next year’s RCVS Survey of the Professions, and via focus group research for animal owners. Once all responses have been collated, the College will invite a number of individuals and organisations to a Standards Committee meeting (date to be confirmed) to present and discuss their views.
Responses in writing are invited by 5pm on Monday, 17 February 2014, and should be emailed to 24-7@rcvs.org.uk or posted to the Professional Conduct Department, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF.
The sight of skinny cats in dumpsters, scavenging for food is unfortunately a common sight in Saudi Arabia, where big cities and small towns alike suffer from severe cat overpopulation. Made up of stray cats, abandoned by families who did not want or could not take care of them anymore and the majority, feral cats, too poorly socialised to be handled and placed into a typical pet home.
When Umm Asma moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia two years ago from the United States, she was extremely shocked and emotionally moved by the very evident problem. This raw emotion later fuelled her to set up the charity organisation ‘Gus’s Hope’ in honour of a ginger street cat who stole her heart.
‘Gus’ who she spotted outside her hotel looked sickly, but determined to rescue the little cat, she hid him under her clothes and snuck him into her room. Umm feared for the Gus’s life, but to her surprise he did not die, but instead grew into a strong and beautiful tomcat who now resides happily with Umm and her family.
Joining Umm on her animal welfare mission is her American friend Farah who currently has 50 cats in her home and together they have started a Trap-Neuter-Return (T.N.R.) program to catch street cats, spay or neuter them, and return them to the streets or place them in foster homes until someone adopts them. Once taking in nine kittens in one week, Umm and Farah are certainly dedicated to the cause and are very positive animal welfare role models, in a country where animal rights are almost unheard of.
Sonja Svensek, another individual attempting to fight for animal rights in the country, noted the absence of any official animal charity organization in Saudi which urged her to create a group ’Pets in Need’, or simply P.I.N. in 2008 enabling like-minded people help the animals,. “To be the change we want to see in others, we have to be productive and active and not expect that someone else will do it” Svensek said.
While P.I.N started as a small group on Facebook and is based in Jeddah, it grew out to more than 2,000 members from all over the country who give each other tips and advice, go out to rescue animals off the street, and spread the word. Like Umm Asma, Svensek believes education on how to treat animals correctly and on the responsibility it takes to care for a pet plays a major role in changing the situation. Pet shops are not being inspected, Vet clinics often operate without a license to obtain medications or anesthetics and there is a severe lack of qualified vets. On top of this there is no awareness among the population on how to treat animals and this lack of infrastructure leads to horrifying stories on pet abuse. The only way thousands of distressed animals in the country can have a better future is by enhancing awareness, enacting regulations concerning animal treatment, including punishment for those breaching the laws, according to the women. Both women stress that trying to get rid of the cat epidemic by pest control or poisoning them is both cruel and useless.
To read the full report click here
January 2014 marks the start of our Silver Jubilee; and to kick off the celebrations we are offering people the opportunity to get their dogs professionally groomed in our Grooming School for a charitable donation of just £5!
The College of Animal Welfare, first started in 1989 as part of one of the UK’s leading animal welfare charities, Wood Green Animal Shelter. In 1996, the College became independently owned but still retains strong links with the founding charity, remaining on their site until 2011 before on-going expansion necessitated a move down the road to Chord Business Park in Godmanchester village.
In recognition of the 25 year anniversary, we will be holding a number of celebratory and fundraising events throughout the year. The first of these begins in January where all dogs brought into the College’s Dog Grooming School will be groomed for a minimum donation of just £5 which will be shared between Godmanchester Food Bank and The College of Animal Welfare’s Student Hardship Fund. Appointments will be available on a first come, first served basis.
College Principal (and founding manager), Barbara Cooper, said “We are thrilled to be celebrating our silver jubilee this year. I have been at the College since its inception in 1989, and am proud of the way the College has grown and developed over the past 25 years”. She continued “We are delighted to be raising money during our first jubilee month for two very worthwhile, local causes”.
To book an appointment for your dog, please call the CAW Grooming School on 01480 422060.
Keep the Christmas season merry for the whole household including our four legged friends by reading the British Veterinary Association (BVA) holiday hazard’s warning. President of the BVA, said: “Christmas is an exciting but frantic time for most of us. Our homes may be packed with new and tempting things, which are hard for curious pets to resist.
Prevention is better than cure, so try and avoid a festive emergency by following these five simple tips:
1. Protect your pet from poisons – A number of festive treats, such as chocolate, grapes, sweets and liquorice, are toxic to cats and dogs. A traditional Christmas meal may contain turkey bones, onions and garlic in gravy or stuffing and raisins in Christmas pudding, all of which can be fatal if eaten by your pet.
2. Keep decorations out of reach – Ribbons, wrapping paper, baubles, tinsel and tree lights can all prove irresistible to cats and dogs but can be very dangerous if broken, chewed or swallowed. Try to keep decorations and blu-tack out of reach of curious pets. Batteries for Christmas gifts also need to be kept away from pets. If ingested they may cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.
3. Forget festive food for pets – we all enjoy a richer diet over Christmas but fatty foods and Christmas dinners shouldn’t be shared with our beloved pets. They can trigger indigestion, sickness and diarrhoea – and, at worst, conditions from gastroenteritis to pancreatitis. So try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine.
4. Give toys not treats – We all want our pets to share the fun and many of us include a gift for our pet on the shopping list. But too many treats can lead to fat, unhappy animals so consider opting for a new toy, extra cuddles or a long walk if you want to indulge your pet this Christmas.
5. Know where to go – Even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by checking your vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours – or, if you are away from home, use the RCVS’s Find a Vet facility to find a veterinary practice in an emergency.
For more information on pets and poisons download the AWF leaflet.
Elliot Page, has become the first student to achieve the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing qualification.
Elliot, who was a full time student at The College of Animal Welfare in Huntingdon, undertook her work placements at Scott’s Veterinary Clinic in Bedford and Companion Care Vets in Milton Keynes. Originally starting on the RCVS Level 3 Diploma, Elliot, along with her fellow classmates, were transferred to City & Guilds earlier this year.
Barbara Cooper, Principal at The College of Animal Welfare, said “We would like to offer our congratulations to Elliot on all her hard work throughout the programme. Being the first student to achieve this new qualification is definitely something to be proud of, and we wish Elliot all the best of luck in her future career as a qualified veterinary nurse”.
What’s more, Companion Care Milton Keynes, have now offered Elliot a permanent position on their team. Elliot said “I am so excited to finally be a qualified veterinary nurse, after all the hard work. And it makes it even better being known as the first ever veterinary nurse to qualify with City & Guilds!”
Julie Dugmore, Head of Veterinary Nursing at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), commented ‘The RCVS would like to congratulate Elliot on her success and is very pleased to be able to welcome her to the Register.’
More information on studying the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at The College of Animal Welfare can be found at www.caw.ac.uk.
Elliot Page, has become the first student to achieve the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing qualification.
Elliot, who was a full time student at The College of Animal Welfare in Huntingdon, undertook her work placements at Scott’s Veterinary Clinic in Bedford and Companion Care Vets in Milton Keynes. Originally starting on the RCVS Level 3 Diploma, Elliot, along with her fellow classmates, were transferred to City & Guilds earlier this year.
Barbara Cooper, Principal at The College of Animal Welfare, said “We would like to offer our congratulations to Elliot on all her hard work throughout the programme. Being the first student to achieve this new qualification is definitely something to be proud of, and we wish Elliot all the best of luck in her future career as a qualified veterinary nurse”.
What’s more, Companion Care Milton Keynes, have now offered Elliot a permanent position on their team. Elliot said “I am so excited to finally be a qualified veterinary nurse, after all the hard work. And it makes it even better being known as the first ever veterinary nurse to qualify with City & Guilds!”
Julie Dugmore, Head of Veterinary Nursing at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), commented ‘The RCVS would like to congratulate Elliot on her success and is very pleased to be able to welcome her to the Register.’
More information on studying the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at The College of Animal Welfare can be found at www.caw.ac.uk.
– Ends –
For more information please contact:
Alison German VN
Marketing Executive
The College of Animal Welfare
Tel: 01480 422060
Email: agerman@caw.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
The College of Animal Welfare is one of the UK’s leading providers of veterinary nurse and animal care training and education; operating from four training centres around the UK.
The College has a well-earned reputation for excellence and has created a number of unique achievements that have created new opportunities for learning.
For more information about The College of Animal Welfare please visit www.caw.ac.uk
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is seeking the views of vets, veterinary nurses and members of the public regarding proposals for a new Royal Charter which would clarify and underpin the role of the College and give it formal recognition as regulator of the veterinary nursing profession.
The new Charter, approved at a meeting of RCVS Council in November, would replace the 1967 Supplemental Charter, with the most far reaching change being a proposal to make veterinary nursing a formally regulated profession on a similar footing to veterinary surgeons. Veterinary nurses would become associates of the College and have the post-nominal letters RVN. The List and the Register of Veterinary Nurses would also be effectively combined, meaning that the 1,100 listed veterinary nurses would join the 10,500 already on the Register.
Under the proposals registered veterinary nurses would continue to need to fulfil certain responsibilities, including abiding by the Code of Professional Conduct and completing an average of 15 hours a year of continuing professional development, and would be subject to RCVS disciplinary procedures.
What’s new is that individuals struck off from the Register for serious professional misconduct would no longer be able to give medical treatment or carry out minor surgery under veterinary direction.
As well as changes to the regulation of veterinary nursing, the proposed Charter would also more clearly state the role and remit of the RCVS, for example, in advancing standards through the promotion of continuing professional development and the Practice Standards Scheme.
Professor Stephen May, a member of RCVS Council who led the Legislation Working Party that developed the new Charter proposals, said: “The proposed new Charter represents an historic opportunity to affirm the role of the RCVS, and to provide a modern framework for the future regulation of the professions. I call on veterinary surgeons and nurses, together with other interested stakeholders, to read the consultation documents and support our proposals.”
Speaking about the need for change, RCVS President Neil Smith added: “The consultation paper explains why it is time to replace the 1967 Charter with a new version which sets out the role of the College. The present Charter doesn’t explain what objects the RCVS should set out to achieve, and it is silent about veterinary nurses. The remit of the College should include being the regulator for the veterinary nursing profession, and we want a new Charter to recognise registered veterinary nurses.
“We hope that the new Charter will provide a solid basis for the work of the College for years to come. We would urge members of the professions and the public to let us know what they think and help us to make sure that we have got it right.”
The consultation paper, which contains further details about the proposed Charter, is available to download. Those who wish to have their say must respond to b.myring@rcvs.org.uk with their comments by Friday 7 February 2014.
The RCVS will also be organising a meeting and a webinar during the consultation period for those who wish to ask questions about the proposals. Those interested in attending a meeting should email b.myring@rcvs.org.uk. The webinar will be held early in 2014 – further details are available on the RCVS website.
The College of Animal Welfare is delighted to announce that TP Congress 2014, two days of CPD dedicated to Clinical Coaches, is open for registration. With continual changes to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing programme, now is the ideal time to book on and keep up to date with what is happening. And what’s more if you book before 31 January 2014 you will be able to take advantage of the early bird discount!
Following great feedback on the venue last year, this year’s Congress will be held, once again, at Milton Keynes Conference Centre, a purpose built conference centre with modern facilities and extensive parking conveniently located just off the M1.
Anne-Marie Aylott MRCVS of Purple Cat Coaching is a dynamic and inspiring speaker. Both a qualified vet and professional coach, Anne-Marie will be talking about helping your students with setting goals, and gearing up their motivation for success.
Elizabeth Figg is a highly experienced equine VN. She will be looking at what you and your students now need to know about equines. Elizabeth works for Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, and while she’s speaking with her ‘practice’ hat on, some of you may also know her as a recently elected member of VN Council.
Claire Defries, CAW Potters Bar Centre Manager, will look at understanding and implementing nursing care plans and RVN Charlotte Pace will be giving you tips and guidance on academic writing; great for when your student comes to you with questions, or if you’ve decided to go for an advanced diploma of your own!
CAW Lecturers Jane Davidson and Julie Cory will be talking about the VN OSCE exams. They’re both experienced teachers and examiners, and will share some of their experiences with you and look at how you can help your students master their skills and confidence!
We’re also very pleased to welcome back Kathy Kissick, Chair of VN Council, as she gives us an update on VN legislation, professional and ethical responsibilities, and the latest news from the VN world!
Pam Mosedale MRCVS, Independent Veterinary Surgeon, will be talking about Clinical Governance – and no, it’s not just box ticking! You’ll have an interesting and interactive session as you learn just what the term means, and just why vet nurses should care.
Michael Stanford MRCVS, from the Veterinary Defence Society, will talk about what every veterinary nurse needs to know about professional indemnity. With statutory regulation on the books for RVNs, you need to know how (and if!) you’re covered in your day to day job!
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), in association with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, would once again like your help in recognising a deserving individual by nominating them to receive an award during the 2014 BVNA Northern Ireland Congress.
All veterinary nurses are dedicated to caring for animals but sometimes someone stands out above the rest by offering exceptional care. So if you have an exceptional nurse in your practice, why not nominate them for an award today. You can also ask your clients to vote!
The four categories available to receive an award are;
• Veterinary Nurse of the Year
• Student Veterinary Nurse of the Year
• Animal Nursing Assistant of the Year
• Charity Nurse of the Year
The nomination forms and promotional poster for your practice are available via the BVNA website or by requesting these via email bvna@bvna.co.uk
All winners of the four categories will be announced during the Gala Banquet held at the BVNA/BSAVA Northern Ireland Congress on 23 May 2014.