British Veterinary Association
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) represents the UK’s veterinary profession and plays an influential role in shaping policy, practice standards, and public messaging that affect the broader petcare sector. Pet Gazette reports on BVA statements, campaigns, and consultations that intersect with pet retail — particularly around health products, parasite treatments, nutrition guidance, and animal welfare. We also cover the BVA’s stance on regulatory issues, veterinary shortages, and collaborations with government or trade bodies. This tag helps retailers, suppliers, and distributors stay aligned with the professional and ethical framework guiding UK veterinary care.
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Dec- 2025 -3 DecemberPet Owners
New animal welfare law aims to curb puppy smuggling
A new law intended to tighten controls on the import of pets has received Royal Assent following a sustained campaign by the British Veterinary Association. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act introduces measures designed to curb puppy smuggling, restrict the import of dogs and cats with…
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Nov- 2025 -18 NovemberRegulation
New tool launched to counter ‘extreme conformation’ breeding crisis
A new tool designed to curb irresponsible dog breeding and reduce the prevalence of extreme physical traits has been launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare. The Innate Health Assessment tool – a free 10-point checklist – is intended to help breeders and owners assess a dog’s suitability…
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Oct- 2025 -15 OctoberVeterinary
CMA proposes price caps on vet prescriptions
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed the introduction of price caps on prescriptions provided by vets stating that pet owners could be “paying twice as much for commonly prescribed medicines from vet practices than they could pay online”. The watchdog believes that vets should have a prescription fee…
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Sep- 2025 -26 SeptemberVeterinary
British Veterinary Association appoints new president
Dr Rob Williams has been elected president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for the 2025–26 association year. Williams, a small animal vet with nearly 25 years’ experience, graduated from University College Dublin in 2001 and holds an MBA from York Business School. He has worked in general and referral…
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12 SeptemberCharities
New charity launched to improve guinea pig welfare in the UK
A charity dedicated to guinea pig health and welfare has been launched to address gaps in care, knowledge and veterinary training across the UK. Guinea Pig Welfare UK was formally launched on 10 September at the Guinea Pig Welfare Forum. It brings together veterinary professionals, animal care specialists and nutritional…
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Aug- 2025 -27 AugustRetailers
Butternut Box and Surrey Uni launch research on fresh dog food
Butternut Box has partnered with the University of Surrey on a multi-year study into the health outcomes of fresh dog food, supported by an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The project will examine how different diets affect dogs’ skin health, immune response and overall wellbeing. Research will be carried…
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Jul- 2025 -21 JulyVeterinary
BVA launches new CPD library
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has launched a new continuous professional development (CPD) library to give members easier access to high-quality content. The library includes 28 on-demand recordings covering a range of sessions across BVA’s key themes: people, planet and animals. This features webinars such as “Managing emotions in stressful…
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May- 2025 -27 MayVeterinary
BVA brands CMA proposals ‘disproportionate’ and ‘unworkable’
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) potential remedies working paper “disproportionate and in some cases unworkable”. The trade body has raised “serious concerns” that the remedies are disproportionate to the issues they seek to address and will unfairly impact smaller independent practices. It…
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7 MayVeterinary
Vivienne Mackinnon elected president of BVA Scottish Branch
Perthshire-based vet Vivienne Mackinnon has been named British Veterinary Association (BVA) Scottish Branch president following its annual general meeting. Mackinnon takes over from Gareth Hateley, who steps into the role of BVA Scottish Branch senior vice president. She brings to the role more than 30 years of experience, spanning roles…
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1 MayVeterinary
CMA unveils potential ‘remedies’ in vet working paper
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has unveiled its working paper with potential “remedies” as part of its investigation into the veterinary sector in the UK. The CMA has reaffirmed the need to reform the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 which has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).…
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