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The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) has revised its Rabbit Friendly Vet Scheme to raise the standards veterinary practices must meet to be identified as providers of quality care for rabbits.
Created almost more than 20 years ago, the programme has been updated for 2026 to give rabbit owners seeking veterinary care increased transparency, higher clinical standards and clearer guidance.
The restructured scheme now features a modular assessment framework that divides the application for certification into 16 key areas of practice, such as reception, inpatient care, clinical expertise, nursing, and surgical provision.
Under the new model, each accredited veterinary practice will now get a rating for each individual module, an overall award score and a certificate outlining strengths across different areas.
Each practice’s application to the programme is reviewed and approved by the charity’s Vet specialist adviser, John Chitty.
RWAF said that this new framework means practices who are not eligible for the highest overall award can still be recognised for excellence in particular areas of rabbit care.
It added that the scheme has been refreshed to also support rabbit owners, by giving them the information they need to select a veterinary practice that meets their pets’ particular needs, understand the level of expertise available and feel confident in their care decisions.
Chitty said: “We are delighted to see the first practices come through and be accredited under our new enhanced standards scheme. Congratulations to them all! This scheme gives each one the opportunity to show the areas of their practices that are truly excellent for rabbits – and also shows rabbit owners that they are genuinely serious and committed to the welfare of the pet rabbits in their care.”
Rae Walters, CEO of the Rabbit Welfare Association and Trust, added: “For nearly two decades, RWAF’s Rabbit Friendly Vet Scheme has played a vital role in connecting rabbit caregivers with knowledgeable, rabbit-savvy veterinary teams. The 2026 relaunch represents the most comprehensive update to date, reinforcing our mission to ensure rabbits receive the specialist care they require and deserve.”
Emily Barker BVM BVS MRCVS said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the RWAF Silver Plus Rabbit Friendly Practice Award. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of rabbit welfare and clinical care here at Cedar Vets.
“Rabbits are often underestimated, and yet they are incredibly intelligent, sensitive and emotionally complex animals. Our team is passionate about ensuring they receive the same level of veterinary expertise, compassion, and tailored care as cats and dogs.”
