Author Archives: Lauren Daws

National Pet Month 2018 – Are you a responsible pet owner?

While it might be nearly over, this April is the 27^th National Pet Month, a charity which brings together different animal welfare charities, pet businesses and pet lovers. Their aims have been to:

Promote responsible pet ownership
Make people aware of the mutual benefits of living with pets
Increase public awareness of the role of pet care specialists
Raise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animals

While we may all care about our pets and treat them as a part of the family, make sure you’re a responsible pet owner this National Pet Month by reading the points below…

Neutering your pets

Normally, unless there are any circumstances where neutering would not be advised, veterinary practices would advise that you get your pet cat or dog spayed or castrated to prevent unwanted pregnancies and any health related problems.

Pet insurance – do you need it?

You never know when your pet could fall sick, and health care for animals can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to ensure that you’ve got adequate pet insurance. Having insurance for your pet means that if your pet does become sick, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to afford the treatment. Whilst pet insurance may seem expensive, it can’t compare to the costs of having to pay out for your pet if they get a serious illness or injury. You’ll also want to make sure you get pet insurance as quickly as you can because most policies will exclude cover for pre-existing conditions.

Exercise

Ensure your pet has enough exercise to keep it physically and mentally healthy and happy. Regular walks for dogs gives them the opportunity to interact with other dogs and people and prevent obesity which is becoming an increasing issue seen by vets. Other animals such as cats can be encouraged to exercise through the use of interactive toys, and smaller animals through adequate housing and exercise opportunities relevant to their needs.

Non-traditional companion animals

It is becoming increasingly popular for people to keep exotic pets such as lizards and snakes, but are these animals getting the treatment they need? In most cases, the answer is no; while owners may believe they’re doing all they should be to make sure their pet is well taken care of, it’s not quite as simple as many people are led to believe.

Owners often don’t have the right knowledge or equipment in order to care for these animals properly, which can lead to health implications for the animals. For example, reptiles have specific requirements for humidity, lighting, nutrition and temperature which can be very hard to maintain correctly in captivity. If you are considering getting an exotic animal as a pet please make sure you thoroughly research their care needs and speak to experts before making that purchase; many of these animals can live for 20 years +.

Primates as pets

BVA have had growing concerns recently about the increasing number of primates being kept as pets in the UK. It is important to remember that primates have complex social needs and specific dietary requirements which cannot be maintained while being kept as pets, and as a result there are “no circumstances where they would benefit from being kept as pets” according to BVA President Robin Hargreaves.

For more information on responsible pet ownership, click here to visit the BVA website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Month: The Benefits of Meditation

Why is meditation important?

We have all heard that meditation reduces stress, however doctors are now suggesting that it can help improve creativity, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and even addiction.

So how do we meditate?

First, find a comfortable place where you can sit without distractions for at least 2 minutes and build up to 15 minutes.
Sit comfortably with your back upright with head up. (Imagine your head is being pulled up to the sky)
Close your eyes and focus within.
Focus your attention on any one of the following.

You can focus your attention on your breath and breathing. There is no need to regulate this. Let it be natural.
You can repeat a positive statement about yourself and life.
If you do use a statement to focus on, try to feel what it means to you.
You can focus on your heartbeat.
You can use any other method with which you feel comfortable.

If you notice your mind drifting off onto other thoughts or stories, just bring your focus back to the technique you are using to focus on.
Once you have finished meditating, it is a good idea to give yourself a few minutes to adjust back into the activities of your day.

You are encouraged to meditate ideally at the same time every day. Most people will choose early in the morning or late at night. It does not matter when you meditate, as long as you can devote a period of time to your practice without being disturbed. Don’t worry there is no perfect way to meditate. Just be pleased that you are doing it. Meditation is not always easy or even peaceful however it can have amazing benefits.

Click here to find out more about the best ways to meditate!

National Puppy Day 2018 – How can you prevent puppy farming?

While there’s no question that we all love our dogs, do you know how to ensure that you’re purchasing your puppy from a legitimate breeder rather than a puppy farm? This National Puppy Day, speak up for those who can’t and spread awareness about puppy farming and how we can prevent it.

What are the warning signs of puppy farming?

There are still too many instances of bad breeders tricking potential puppy owners into believing that they are treating their dogs well and aren’t breaking the law. Make sure you don’t fall into this trap by knowing how to spot the warning signs …

Poor living conditions – When going to visit the puppies, you’ll be able to tell whether or not they’re being kept in good conditions. They should not be shut away in cages and should have clean food and water and regular access to the outside.
Not being allowed to see the parents – One of the biggest warning signs to look out for is the breeder not letting you see the puppy’s parents. Seeing puppies alongside their parents can give you an insight into their temperament and how well they interact with other dogs.
Being told you can take the puppy home before it’s 8 weeks old – Puppies should not leave their mother or the rest of their litter before they are eight weeks old because this is how they learn how to socialise. If a breeder tries to sell you a puppy before they’re eight weeks old, this is a strong sign that they’re not breeding their puppies in the correct way.
Not providing documentation – If the breeder cannot provide you with any of the puppy’s documents, turn them away immediately because they could have been bred on a puppy farm.
Not being shown where the puppies are being kept – If the breeder asks to meet you in a neutral location, such as a car park or any public place, this is a big red flag. A breeder should allow you to see the puppy in the environment that it has been living in, and if they don’t, it can only be because they have something to hide.

What to do if you suspect someone of puppy farming

If, when you’re visiting a breeder and their puppies, you spot some of the warning signs, don’t be tempted to buy the puppy in order to save it from a puppy farm. While it may seem like buying the puppy is the right thing to do, this will only result in the breeder bringing up more puppies in the same awful conditions, with the same poor treatment.

Instead of buying the puppy, you should report the breeder to the local authorities, police or the RSPCA and make other people in the area aware of the breeder – the more people that know about them, the less puppies they’ll be able to breed.

Animals’ George Cross awarded to Police Dog Finn

Canine hero to receive PDSA Gold Medal for life-saving devotion

After seizing an armed suspect while on duty, Finn, a fearless police dog, was left with near-fatal stab wounds. To commend his bravery, Finn is to receive the PDSA Gold medal, known as the animals’ George Cross.

Police Dog Finn, who is now retired from service with Hertfordshire Constabulary, almost died from the stab wounds he sustained. His handler, PC Dave Wardell, was also injured in the incident; however, Finn’s actions protected his life.

The formal presentation of Finn’s PDSA Gold Medal will be held on Sunday 6 May, at the charity PetLife’s 18 festival at Cheltenham Racecourse: the first ever public presentation of such an award.

Finn’s story has captured the hearts of the nation and inspired a campaign to change the law around the protection for service animals.

Finn’s Story

On 5 October 2016, Police Dog Finn and handler Police Constable Dave Wardell from for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit were called to an address in Stevenage. The dog unit was instructed to give chase to a suspect who was evading arrest and who was believed to be armed.

During the pursuit, PC Wardell released Finn with a command to detain the suspect. The suspect attempted to jump over a fence but Finn kept pace and was able to take hold of his leg, foiling his escape.

PC Wardell explains, “I joined Finn, grabbing his collar and straddling his back to give him support as he held the suspect. In a split second, I saw the man lunge at Finn’s side with a weapon. As he pulled away, I saw a 10-inch blade, covered in Finn’s blood.

“The man then lunged at me with the blade but Finn, despite being seriously hurt, grabbed hold of the suspect and stopped him from landing a fatal blow. My hand was cut in the struggle and Finn’s head was sliced open.”

“Despite suffering two serious stab wounds, Finn’s grip on the suspect remained – pulling at the suspect’s leg to stop him from jumping the fence.”

Finn’s constant grip enabled PC Wardell to wrestle the assailant to the ground, where he eventually dropped the weapon. Other officers joined the team to assist and Finn was rushed to the nearest vet for life-saving treatment.

PC Wardell continues; “Finn’s determination, even after he’d been seriously hurt, was absolutely faultless. He definitely saved my life that night and stopped an armed criminal from posing a threat to other officers or the public.

“I am bursting with pride that Finn is receiving this award – he is a true gem and embodies everything that is special about police dogs in this country. He is my best friend and I owe him my life.”

Following the attack, Finn made a miraculous recovery and was back on active duty just 11 weeks later.

Finn’s Law

Finn’s remarkable story inspired a campaign called #Finnslaw. This seeks to lobby Government to change the laws that surround service animals, to provide greater protection and prosecution powers.

David Lloyd, the PCC for Hertfordshire, said: “Finn’s horrific injuries and the bravery he showed that night lit a fire in the hearts of the British public. Attacking a police animal should not be treated in the same way as damaging a police car. The public clearly think the same, and the fact PD Finn’s actions have prompted this response shows how much the public care about our animals important contribution to policing.”

“Finn’s award is a fitting recognition for his heroic actions that night. I very much look forward to seeing Finn formally presented with his PDSA Gold Medal, later in the year.”

Jan from PDSA continued: “Finn’s story captured the hearts of the nation. We received scores of enquiries from the public, asking for Finn to be recognised by PDSA’s prestigious Animal Awards Programme. So I’m thrilled that members of the public can see Finn receive his medal, at PDSA’s PetLife ‘18 festival in Cheltenham on 6 May.”

PDSA Gold Medal

Instituted in 2002, the PDSA Gold Medal is awarded to civilian animals for life-saving bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. The Medal is now widely recognised as the animals’ George Cross. Finn is the 28th recipient of the PDSA Gold Medal, all of whom have been dogs.

PDSA’s world-renowned Animal Awards Programme was set up when the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin, instituted the PDSA Dickin Medal in 1943. Regarded as the animals’ Victoria Cross, the Medal recognises the role of animals in military conflict. It was Maria’s hope that, by recognising the incredible roles animals play, she could raise their status in society, so ensuring they are better treated.

For more information on attending Finn’s presentation, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/PDFinn

You smoke, they smoke – second hand smoke causes health implications for pets

PDSA warn that smoking around your pets could kill them!

Vet charity PDSA has launched a campaign urging people to stop smoking around their pets because the health implications could be fatal for them.

While we are all aware of the serious and potentially fatal diseases linked to smoking in humans, some of us have not even considered the impact of second-hand smoke on our pets, and PDSA say the impacts are just as severe.

One of the main issues is that “Many pet owners are unaware of the risks that smoking can have on their pets’ health” says PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan. But now that people are being made aware of the health impacts and with today being National No Smoking Day, there is no better time to quit smoking, both for the sake of your own, and your pets’ health.

Oliva added that, “our vets and nurses regularly see the devastating impact smoking can have on pets. Problems range from issues like asthma and chronic coughing through to fatal conditions. Cancers such as lymphoma, for example, are twice as likely in cats exposed to cigarette smoke.”

Smoke affects pets in different ways

PDSA are trying to make people aware that second hand smoke affects each pet in different ways. For example, dogs are prone to smoking-related breathing problems, with links between smoke and difficult-to-treat nasal and sinus cancers in longer nosed dogs. While with cats, smoke will often land on their fur and then as they groom they will lick off the cancer-causing chemicals, playing a large role in the development of mouth cancers.

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Glasgow has found that family pets are equally, if not more, at risk than humans are from the effects of second-hand smoking. PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan commented on this, saying that, “recent studies highlight that this is a really serious issue, and we want pet owners to know that they can make a real difference by simply choosing to smoke outdoors away from their pets”.

Poison risk from electronic cigarettes

While there is currently no evidence that the fumes from electronic cigarettes can cause harm to people or animals, PDSA have mentioned that there is a real risk of poisoning if pets chew or swallow the cartridges, so make sure these are kept out of reach.

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) – a 24 hour telephone emergency service used by vets for animal poisoning cases – says it has seen an increase in cases of electronic cigarette poisoning over the past few years. According to its latest data, there were 113 reported cases in one year alone, with the true figure likely to be much higher.

For more information about the dangers of passive smoking to pets and advice on how to keep them safe, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/nosmoking

#NAW2018 National Apprenticeship Week: 5-9 March 2018

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, and this year the theme is ‘Apprenticeships Work’! And work they do – each year hundreds of thousands of people up and down the country choose an apprenticeship to start their working life, change career or upskill in their current employment.

#NAW2018 aims to showcase real life apprentices to show just how beneficial apprenticeships are to employers, individuals, the community and the wider economy.

So, how do apprenticeships work? Why are they so great?

Earn while you learn – an apprenticeship not only gives you a recognised qualification that is valued by employers, you will earn a wage at the same time! That’s right – you get paid to study!

Future career prospects – according to an apprenticeship survey, 76% of employers offer full-time roles to their apprentices after they have completed their qualification. What’s more, the overall number of apprentices remaining in employment or further training at the end of their apprenticeship stands at 90% meaning your job prospects after gaining your apprenticeship qualification are excellent!

Real life experience – when studying an apprenticeship, you will learn the theory in college and get the chance to apply what you’ve learnt in the workplace. A powerful combination that will strengthen your CV and help you stand out when applying for future jobs in your chosen industry!

No debt – your course fees will be paid for by your employer, so you don’t have to worry about being in debt after you’ve completed your apprenticeship.

Meet contacts in the industry – working in the industry as well as gaining a qualification will allow you to network and make new contacts. This can be helpful to you in the future when looking to apply for jobs.

Thinking of studying an apprenticeship? Get started!

Are you thinking of studying an apprenticeship? We work with a number of employers to help them recruit apprentices, from veterinary nursing and veterinary care assistants through to animal care and customer service. New vacancies are added to our website regularly, so if you are looking to start an apprenticeship, we could help you find just the opportunity you’re looking for!

View current apprenticeship vacancies. Sign up to new vacancy alerts.

LGBT History Month – How can you get involved?

February is LGBT history month, and this year’s theme is ‘Geography-mapping the world’ and is all about OUTing the past! The badge for this year, designed by Cristian-Emanuel Buda, features two compasses facing each other; which he says demonstrates LGBT people finding their way in the world, whether it is accepting of them or not.

Remembering the past

This LGBT history month, we will be remembering the passing of Section 28, which stopped councils from ‘intentionally promoting homosexuality’ in schools or other areas of work. It is important to remember this event on its 30^th anniversary because while we have come a long way since the act was passed, we still have a long way to go.

We will also be commemorating the 40^th anniversary of the murder of Harvey Milk, the USA’s first out-gay elected councillor, who was shot and killed by a former colleague. More information about Harvey Milk can be found by clicking here.

Get involved in the workplace

Stonewall are a company who campaign for the equality of LGBT people across the UK and believe that “people perform better when they can be themselves”.

Stonewall have many resources available to help you ensure that your workplace is as inclusive as it can possibly be, including:

Guidance and research reports, which can be put up around your workplace
Awareness raising events that can be held at your company
Conferences and events that you can attend, such as ‘Equality dinner 2018’

They also have a Workplace Equality Index, which allows you to monitor your progression on LGBT equality in the workplace.

The index allows members of staff to anonymously fill out a survey in regards to their experiences of equality and diversity at work. After this, the employer will receive a score that indicates to them what is working and what might need more focus, and what’s more, the best 100 performing organisations are publicly celebrated!

ILM Coaching and Mentoring qualifications at CAW

As a clinical coach, you will know that coaching students or new members of staff can be extremely rewarding, but also challenging at times!

Do you struggle with any of the following?

Balancing your clinical duties with your coaching responsibilities
Setting boundaries and being assertive
Getting your students to take more responsibility for their workload
Understanding how your particular student learns best
Dealing with things when they don’t go to plan
Setting goals and getting the best out of your students

If so, then studying an ILM accredited Coaching and Mentoring qualification could give you valuable knowledge and skills; boosting your confidence to excel in your role. What’s more, you’ll also gain a qualification to add to your CV!

ILM Level 3 Award in Coaching

This course will give you the opportunity to learn tools and techniques which will enable you to coach others to perform at their best within your organisation.

Two study days and online learning
Leeds (Start on 7 March 2018)
Huntingdon (Start on 13 April 2018)
£473 + ILM Fees (£79)
Or £325 + ILM Fees (£79) for CAW clinical coaches

ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring

This ILM accredited qualification will allow you to learn professional coaching and mentoring techniques to nurture talent and influence those around you.

Two study days and online learning
Leeds (Start on 7 March 2018)
Huntingdon (Start on 13 April 2018)
£1,313 + ILM Fees (£129)
Or £975 + ILM Fees (£129) for CAW clinical coaches

Find out more about our Coaching and Mentoring courses.

Student Volunteering Week – 19-25 February 2018

If you’re looking to gain experience in order to progress into a career with animals, then volunteering could be the step in the right direction you need to kick start your career.

By volunteering with animals you can:

Learn new skills and gain experience
Make new friends
Learn about animal behaviour
Give something back make a difference to the lives of animals.

Kick start your career…

Aside from the fact that volunteering is a very rewarding way to give back in your community, it can also help you to progress your career. Volunteering in the line of work you eventually want to get yourself into will give you knowledge of what day-to-day life in the profession is like. As well as learning a lot about the line of work, you will also gain a lot of experience that can help you when it comes to applying for a job. Having volunteer work on your CV shows your employer that you’re willing to go that one step further to secure your future career.

For more information and how you can start volunteering in your community, visit https://do-it.org/.

Dream of working with animals? Come along to Careers with Animals Day and find out how!

The College of Animal Welfare is delighted to announce that it’s next Careers With Animals Day will take place on Saturday 24 March 2018 at its centre near Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire).

If you love animals, at some point in your life you may have considered working with them, but what options are there and where do you start? Whether you’re a school leaver working out what your next move is going to be, an adult looking for a career change, or unemployed and looking to get back to work; Careers with Animals Day can help you to get answers to any questions you may have.

Exhibitors from some of the leading animal welfare and veterinary organisations will help you to leave with ideas and information that will help you launch your new career and a series of careers talks will run throughout the day. What’s more, entry is completely free of charge!

Exhibitors this year include The College of Animal Physiotherapy, The British Horse Society, Cromwell Veterinary Group, Wood Green The Animals Charity, Medivet, Buglife, African Conservation Experience, Shepreth Wildlife Park, 1^st Military Working Dogs and Cambridgeshire Police Dog Unit.

The event will be held at The College of Animal Welfare in Godmanchester, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire (PE29 2BQ). Doors are open from 10am until 3pm and entry is completely free of charge! For more information please visit www.careerswithanimals.co.uk or call the College on 01480 422060.