The RCVS President Kate Richards has issued a statement in support of Ukraine, whilst one practitioner, dental Specialist Bob Partridge, has donated a day's takings and is encouraging others to do the same. 

Kate said: "In recent days we have watched the unfolding events in Ukraine in horror, shock and with tremendous sadness.

"We are determined to offer as much help and support as we can to our Ukrainian veterinary colleagues fleeing this crisis and seeking refuge in the UK.

To that end, the College offers a financial support scheme for refugees which is immediately available for Ukrainian veterinary surgeons with refugee status.

The scheme enables refugee vets to take the RCVS Statutory Examination for free, offers financial support to attend exams, free access to the RCVS library and free membership of BSAVA, BVA, BEVA, BCVA and VMG.

In addition, whilst Russian-based business interests comprise less than 0.1% of the College's investment portfolio, it has instructed its fund managers to get rid of all Russian investments at the very earliest opportunity. 

Meanwhile, veterinary dentist Bob Partridge has donated a day's takings from his Harrogate-based, Specialist-led small animal dental referral practice, VetDentist, to the British Red Cross Ukraine.

He said: "I got home late and exhausted, turned on the news, and knew that my “tough day” was as nothing compared to the troubles, the fear and the pain experienced by the people of Ukraine."

Other members of Bob's team followed suit, as did the team at Training-Progress, and they hope others will do the same. 

Bob said: "Please put your money where your mouth (or keyboard) is!"

https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 Aleksej Leonov

The RCVS is holding a session at the London Vet Show on Saturday 23rd October from 8:30am-9:30am to provide guidance and advice concerning the work your nursing team does in practice.

As the RCVS says, the recent Panorama programme "It shouldn't happen at a vets'" was a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that all practice staff are working within the appropriate legal framework.

The session will answer such questions as:

• Are your veterinary nursing staff working legally?
• Do their job titles mislead the public?
• Is your veterinary team delegating appropriately?
• Do you understand Schedule 3?
• Are your VN 'students' really students?

Because of the early start, the RCVS is providing breakfast from 8:15am, though I wouldn't get your hopes up for eggs benedict and freshly smoked Loch Fyne kippers.

The RCVS says the session will be relevant for all members of the practice team, but that if you can't make the session, they will be on hand to discuss VN legislation on stand M26. 

The University of Surrey has officially launched an £11m Veterinary Pathology Centre which will provide a focus for pathology research, education and commercial activity.

Located in the South East of England, the centre is part of the new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, and one of the UK's largest veterinary pathology centres, offering high-containment post-mortem examination facilities and histopathology.

The centre is staffed by a team of board-certified veterinary pathologists, veterinary investigation officers and technicians, with expertise in farm-animal, equine, exotic and small-animal pathology.

The new building centres on a large containment level 2 post-mortem examination room with high ceilings, natural lighting, post-mortem examination tables, biological safety cabinets and integrated cold rooms, all served by a powerful winch system which means that post-mortem examinations can be performed on a wide range of species. A viewing gallery overlooks the suite and post-mortem examinations can be recorded and streamed for training purposes.

Professor Roberto La Ragione, Director of the Veterinary Pathology Centre, said: "Veterinary pathology is a growing discipline and its importance has been highlighted in recent disease outbreaks and the important role veterinary pathologists make in drug development. Helping the farming community to be more effective, sustainable and innovative, the Centre will work with partners, businesses and researchers to address some of the unique challenges faced by the veterinary and scientific community.

"It is the close relationships with our external clinical and scientific partners that enables us to be innovative in our approach to education and training here at the Surrey.  An example of the latter is the use of digital pathology in teaching, research and diagnostics, which was the subject of discussion at the recent launch of the Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive).

"Together with our partners such as the National Physical Laboratory and the 5G Innovation centre, the Centre is at the forefront of the digitalisation of pathology and innovative big data management.

"The Centre offers the opportunity to inspire the next generation of veterinary pathologists and complements the centres of excellence that already exist in other vet schools and research institutes."

A Legislative Reform Order which amends the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to allow changes to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons's governance arrangements has received Ministerial assent.

There will now be significant changes to the RCVS Council, as follows: 

• A gradual reduction in the number of elected members of RCVS Council from the current 24 to 13 by the year 2021.

• A change of composition to include six lay members and two veterinary nurse members. Furthermore, the number of Council members appointed by each university whose veterinary degree is recognised by the RCVS will be reduced from two to one and Privy Council will no longer be required to appoint members. From 1 July 2020 university membership will undergo further changes as, from then on, veterinary schools will collectively appoint three members in total to serve on Council. 

• Members of Council will no longer be able to serve more than three consecutive four-year terms of office and, after serving three consecutive terms, they will not be eligible to re-stand as a candidate for two years. 

• Members of Council may be removed from office if they fail to satisfy any conditions about fitness to be a member, as determined by their peers on Council. If removed from office they will not be eligible to re-stand as a candidate for two years.

Introducing the LRO before the House of Lords last Tuesday, Lord Gardiner of Kimble said: "The proposed changes… reduce the size of Council and revise the balance of membership between vets and non-vets, including veterinary nurses and lay persons. They will bring the RCVS in-line with many other modern-day regulatory bodies and allow for greater efficiency, transparency and accountability to both members and the general public. For all the reasons I have outlined today, I commend the use of Legislative Reform Order to make changes that will benefit the veterinary profession."

The full text of the Legislative Reform Order can be found on www.legislation.gov.uk and the full transcript of the debate in the House of Lords can be found in Hansard Online (https://hansard.parliament.uk).

Professor Stephen May, RCVS President, said: "We have been looking at reform of Council as an issue of some urgency since 2013, in recognition of the fact that, with the formula-driven growth of Council, it was becoming unwieldy, which has an impact on the cost of each meeting and the frequency with which it could reasonably meet.

"This reform has been long in gestation and so we are glad that this has now been approved and that we can look forward to a more modern, agile and efficient governance structure, aimed as always at benefitting the professions, animal owners and animal health and welfare."

One immediate impact of the LRO relates to the results of this year’s RCVS Council election as the Ministerial sign-off now confirms that only the first three candidates (in order of number of votes) will take up their four-year terms at RCVS Day on Friday 13 July 2018. These are Susan Paterson, Mandisa Greene and Neil Smith, all of whom are current members who were re-elected.

The RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council agreed reforms to its own governance last year, including shortening the term of office from four years to three years; introducing a consecutive three-term limit for elected members; and, reducing the size and changing the composition of VN Council to six elected veterinary nurses, two appointed veterinary nurse members, two appointed veterinary surgeon members from RCVS Council, and four appointed lay members.

BVA President Harvey Locke used his annual London dinner speech last night to urge the Government to take action on veterinary student fees and the welfare of dogs, and respond to the consultation on dangerous dogs.

Guests at the dinner included The Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State for Defra, parliamentarians, veterinary surgeons, and representatives from the agri-food industry, pet industry, welfare charities, research and veterinary education.

Mr Locke began by raising concerns over cuts to animal health and welfare and disease surveillance budgets: "In the Comprehensive Spending Review Defra took one of the biggest hits. The profession remains deeply concerned that cuts in research and development and disease surveillance could have catastrophic consequences. Right now the UK enjoys some of the highest animal health and welfare standards in the world and so it is in all of our interests to ensure the viability of the farming sector amidst massive competition from abroad, where those standards may not always be as high."

On veterinary student fees, Mr Locke outlined the 'double whammy' of a long course and compulsory Extra Mural Studies in the holidays: "Our role as the guardians of animal health and welfare faces an uncertain future following the announcement that the cap on tuition fees will be raised to between 6 and 9 thousand pounds a year. We fear this could have a huge impact on the decisions of A-level students, with fewer and fewer opting for an expensive veterinary science degree.

"Although the plans are not yet finalised we are bracing ourselves for veterinary degrees, which are costly to run, to be priced at the top of the scale, meaning veterinary students of the future will graduate with at least £45,000 of debt in tuition fees alone. Faced with these levels of debt, our concern is that those who do make it to graduation won't opt for the food animal practice and public health roles that attract smaller pay packages. We need to think carefully about how we can secure the future provision of large animal practitioners."

On companion animal issues Mr Locke asked Defra not to defer all decisions on dog welfare to the newly-formed Dog Advisory Council: "While the BVA fully supports the Advisory Council, we would urge the Government not to use it to delay decisions that might improve the health and welfare of dogs now. At a recent meeting of the Associate Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW) ...there was overwhelming support for provision for healthy breeding to be brought into Defra's welfare codes.

"We have long maintained that to ignore breeding in the dog welfare code is a serious oversight by Defra. In England we already have regulations that protect our farmed animals from breeding procedures that cause suffering or injury, but not for our pets.  This contradictory approach makes little sense. Updating the welfare codes to include breeding would send a clear message that the Government is committed to improving the health and welfare of man's best friend."

On dangerous dogs Mr Locke renewed the BVA's call for the Government to respond to the Defra consultation, which found 77% in favour of scrapping breed-specific legislation: "Despite this overwhelming call from the public, the Government has kept its powder dry, repeatedly promising to announce its response soon.

"Secretary of State I would like to assure you that the BVA is prepared to work with all of the other organisations with an interest in dog welfare and public safety to find an effective solution. We all want to see people protected on private property; legislation that targets irresponsible owners and not just the way a dog looks; and tools that allow the police and other enforcement agencies to act swiftly to protect the public.

"And, crucially, we all want to work with you to achieve these aims."

Petplan has announced that nominations for its 2015 Veterinary Awards will open on 1st September 2014.

The awards, which are designed to recognise members of the veterinary profession who have gone 'above and beyond' in their daily roles, will be presented on 9th April 2015.

Petplan's Acting Head of Marketing, Ingrid Wakefield said: "At Petplan, we hear from our customers every day about the exceptional care veterinary staff have given to their pets. The Veterinary Awards provide an opportunity for Petplan to show their support for members of the veterinary profession who go beyond the call of duty in their role, and for pet owners across the UK to say thank you to the veterinary staff who have helped them and their pets."

Last year Petplan received more than 12,000 nominations, with every nominee receiving a certificate of recognition for their hard work.

Nominations can be made at www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards, from the start of September.

Companion Care Vets has launched a Graduate Development Programme to develop veterinary graduates into future partners in the business.

According to the company, seven graduates have so far joined the scheme. Five are from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, one is from The Royal Veterinary College in London and one studied at the Univesitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Each has gone through a rigorous recruitment process devised by the Companion Care Vets HR team, and will be placed in one of the groups established surgeries, where the company will give them an understanding of the entire business from clinical to personal, commercial to management.

Jane Balmain, Managing Director of Companion Care Vets said: "One of my ambitions for Companion Care Vets is to ensure we play a significant role in developing standards in the veterinary profession and I believe that supporting talented veterinary graduates is key to this.

"Our rapidly expanding business is passionate about providing the highest level of pet healthcare and client service and we are proud to be able to help veterinary professionals realise their ambitions and full potential."

Placements last three years, during which Companion Care says each of the graduates will be closely mentored and their clinical learning will follow the framework developed by the RCVS as part of their Professional Development phase. Business support will be given via secondment to Companion Care's support services departments and theory based learning. All graduates are placed in practice from day one, building on their clinical experience.

One of the graduates, Katie Denholm said: "This graduate programme is a brilliant opportunity for me to put what I have learnt at University into practice. What really excited me was the modern surgeries, opportunity to be really hands-on and the added business-advice that will help me to realise my dream of one day, and I hope in the not too distant future, becoming a partner in my own practice."

Katie has been placed at Companion Care Vet's Chelmsford surgery, where veterinary surgeon and Joint Venture Partner Simone Dent said: "This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to gain all important clinical experience alongside the commercial aspects of a veterinary career. Being a vet these days affords enormous opportunities to build a successful business that provides satisfaction, financial reward and work-life balance. Katie will be given every opportunity to blossom as an integral part of our team learning, and having fun, every step of the way."

To find out more about the Graduate Development Programme please visit www.ccvets.co.uk or email graduates@companioncare.co.uk

Dr Donal Johnston MRCVS, a former County Down-based veterinary surgeon who made fraudulent pet insurance claims to fund a gambling addiction has had his RCVS Disciplinary Committee sanction hearing postponed after he agreed to enter into undertakings.

At a hearing in April Dr Johnston had admitted all the charges against him, which related fraudulent claims for the treatment of animals, two of which were fictitious, where he arranged for the insurance claims to be diverted and paid into a personal bank account.

Dr Johnston had admitted all the charges against him as well as admitting that his conduct was dishonest and amounted to serious professional misconduct.

Committee Chair Paul Morris said: “The Committee has no hesitation in concluding that the respondent’s dishonest conduct will have severely undermined the confidence of the public in the veterinary profession and, further, that his conduct fell far short of the standards and conduct properly to be expected of a member of the veterinary profession.

"The Committee is satisfied that this conduct by the respondent brought the profession into disrepute.”

The proceedings were then adjourned to allow a psychiatric report and other mitigation to be prepared.

At its resumed hearing on earlier this month, the Committee considered what sanction to impose. 

The Committee found that aggravating features of his misconduct were that it was premeditated, carefully planned and sophisticated in that it involved the creation of numerous and extensive false clinical records to support his fraudulent claims.

It also considered the fact that he implicated an innocent professional colleague who worked alongside him at the practice, that he abused the trust placed in him by clients, that the dishonest conduct was repeated and that it involved significant financial gain in excess of £13,200 to be further aggravating features of his conduct

In terms of mitigation, the Committee accepted that he had made early admissions regarding his conduct to his employer and the College and accepted responsibility.

The Committee also heard that he had made attempts at remediation involving repayments of some of the sums lost by the practice and insurers.

It also considered positive testimonials from family and professional colleagues and the fact that Dr Johnston had taken significant steps to deal with the gambling addiction that was at the root cause of his misconduct.

Having considered all the evidence, the Committee decided to postpone its decision on sanction for a period of 2 years on the condition that Dr Johnston agree to undertakings including refraining from any form of gambling, subjecting himself to a close regime of support and supervision, and repaying some of the sums he had defrauded.

Paul added: “In reaching this conclusion the Committee wishes to make it clear that it has taken an exceptional course in this case.

"Ordinarily conduct of the type covered by the charges which this respondent has accepted will merit the imposition of a sanction of removal from the Register or a period of suspension from the Register.

"In this instance the Committee has found it possible to take the course that it has because it is satisfied that the respondent was, at the time, suffering from a recognisable psychiatric compulsive addiction… and that the fraudulent attempts by the respondent to obtain funds with which to gamble would not have occurred but for this psychiatric condition.

“The Committee further considers that the undertakings offered by the respondent will serve to reduce the risk that he will relapse into gambling again, for his conduct will be closely monitored and he will accept continuing support and guidance from the organisations currently assisting him.

“The Committee is also satisfied of the requirements that neither animals nor the public will be put at risk by this proposed course of action; that the respondent has demonstrated insight into the seriousness of his misconduct and that there is currently no significant risk of repeat behaviour; that his practicing standards are not in need of improvement so long as he continues to fulfil his CPD obligations; that the undertakings offered are capable of being met, are appropriate and are measurable; that there is evidence that his underlying medical problem is being appropriately addressed, will be monitored and reported on; and that he has responded positively to the opportunities for support and counselling which have been offered to him.”

If Dr Johnston fails to comply with his undertakings the Committee will reconvene and consider the charges with the full range of sanctions at its disposal.

www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), has joined forces with the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners (UEVP) to urge companies to stop using images of cat breeds with extreme conformation in their advertising.

The four organisations have written a template letter which anyone can send to any company they see using brachycephalic breeds, such as the Persian, or Scottish Folds, in its marketing materials.

The letter urges companies that use images of cats to work collaboratively with veterinary professionals and pledge to avoid using such breeds in the future.

Dr Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM, said: “Seeing a cute cat in an advertisement can often be a trigger for people to seek out acquiring a cat of that breed without understanding the welfare concerns associated with some pedigree breeds.

"A rise in demand can lead to an increase in breeding practices that result in severe conformational issues and poorer welfare in these breeds.

"We encourage people to download this letter to use when they see breeds of concern being used in advertising, as health is always more important than looks.”

https://icatcare.org/app/uploads/2023/09/ISFM_FECAVA_FVE_UEVPAdvert_Letter.pdf. 

The RCVS has published the results of a survey of EU veterinary surgeons and nurses working in the UK which shows a high degree of fear and uncertainty caused by Brexit, causing many to question whether they will stay.

The survey was carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), which sent it to 5,572 veterinary surgeons who graduated from a vet school in the EU (excluding the UK) and who are registered as veterinary surgeons in this country, as well as around 100 non-UK EU-trained veterinary nurses.

The survey asked a range of questions about how these individuals felt that the vote to leave the EU had affected them, how they felt about their future working in the UK veterinary sector and how they felt the College had dealt with the issue of Brexit.

3,078 people (including 19 veterinary nurses) responded to the survey – a response rate of 55.3%. The average age of the respondents was 36. 60% were female and 87% were working full-time. 

The largest group of respondents (22%) qualified in Spain. 14% qualified in Italy, 10% in Poland, 9% in Romania, 7% in Portugal, 6% in Germany and 6% in the Republic of Ireland.

The remaining 26% qualified in 18 different countries, each of which accounted for fewer than 5% of EU registrants. Although these figures relate to country of qualification and not the nationality of the individuals, in 91% of cases these were the same.

The majority of respondents (78%) worked in clinical practice. Of the 603 who did not work in clinical practice, 38% worked for the Food Standards Agency, 21% worked for the Animal and Plant Health Agency and 18% worked in higher education.

The main findings of the survey were:

• On continuing to work in the UK: 73% of respondents said they would like to continue to work in the UK. However, 41% of respondents said they were not optimistic about their future, 67% were finding the uncertainty about their future difficult, 64% felt less welcome, 44% felt fearful about the future and 40% felt they had reduced job security. Furthermore, 40% of respondents said they were more likely to leave, with 18% actively looking for work outside the UK. Some 79% are awaiting the outcome of the Brexit negotiations before deciding on what to do.
• On the impact of Brexit on veterinary sector: 88% of respondents believed that the UK will have a shortage of veterinary surgeons if non-UK EU national vets are no longer welcome in the country. Some 77% also believed that EU-graduate vets are also less likely to apply to join the UK Register.
• On their experience of prejudice: 16% of respondents said they had personally experienced prejudice at work following the vote to leave the EU with 22% saying they had observed it.
• On support from the College: 74% of respondents said they were happy with the support and advice provided by the RCVS so far.

RCVS President Chris Tufnell said: "This survey makes the strongest possible case that the Government must act fast to reassure our EU colleagues in practices, universities and industry that they are welcome to stay in the UK.

"EU vets and vet nurses make a massive contribution to the UK veterinary sector and the health and welfare of animals and humans.

"Beyond this commitment we will also be lobbying the Government that, after we leave the EU, suitably qualified vets from overseas are prioritised for UK work visas or equivalent, particularly if they are working in public health and the meat industry. 

"I have written to Michael Gove, the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, outlining our position and our Brexit Principles and have invited him to visit the RCVS at Belgravia House to discuss these further. I hope that he accepts our offer so that we can have some constructive talks on these matters.

"On a personal note, I am very sorry to see that a significant proportion of respondents had experienced prejudice at work. This is simply not acceptable and we, as a regulator, have been conscious that ‘anti-foreigner’ rhetoric in the country at large could have an effect on hard-working and talented members of our profession, which is why we raised the matter in our letter to the Prime Minister last year."

The findings of interviews with a sample of non-UK EU-graduated veterinary surgeons working in the UK will be published over the summer. Meanwhile, over the next two years, IES will also be carrying out two further pieces of research that will track the opinions and intentions of non-UK EU-graduated veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses over time as Brexit policies are formed and the future status of non-UK nationals made clearer. 

To read the IES report and the College’s three Brexit Principles in full, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/brexit

The RCVS has launched Mind Matters, a new initiative to help address mental health and wellbeing issues within the veterinary profession.

Neil Smith, RCVS Vice-President and Chair of the Mind Matters Initiative said: "Mental Health is a significant issue for the veterinary profession. Most of us have experience of colleagues or ourselves having problems. The Mind Matters Initiative is a pan-profession project, and I am very pleased that there is active engagement from across the various veterinary associations and stakeholders."

"The RCVS already contributes through our Health Protocol and support of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund. The Mind Matters Initiative seeks to work more proactively by increasing the accessibility and acceptance of support, encouraging a culture that is better equipped to talk and deal with stress and related mental health issues, and, ultimately, by helping to reduce such triggers within the profession."

The first Mind Matters Initiative action is providing funding to ensure that callers to Vet Helpline, a completely confidential support service which is part of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund and run by volunteers, are put directly through to a person, rather than having to leave a message.

Rosie Allister, Chair of Vet Helpline said: "We are able to offer confidential, non-judgemental support to many vets, VNs, vet students and members of their families who call us in distress, but we know there are more who are put off by the prospect of leaving a message.

"It takes real courage to reach out for help when you're struggling, and we know it can be especially tough for vets. Although we respond to calls quickly, callers need to speak to someone immediately, and not a message system, when they are in crisis. Through the Mind Matters Initiative funding we are able to put in place a service that connects a caller directly to a human being, which could make a real difference for people who call."

The new Vet Helpline system will be in place on 22 December, in time for Christmas, which can be a difficult time for many people. The Vet Helpline number is 07659 811 118 and there is also a confidential email service, accessible viawww.vetlife.org.uk. 

The Mind Matters Initiative will be sustained over an initial three-year period, and will include five streams of activity:

• Learning and understanding best practice - research within the veterinary profession, for example, into occupational stress factors; and among other related professions and private and public sector organisations that have successfully tackled similar issues
• Changing the culture - a programme of communications activities to help generate a positive environment for discussion, reduce stigma, increase awareness and the ability to identify risks, and encourage help-seeking behaviour
• Intervention: personal level - financial and other support for existing services, such as Vet Helpline and Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme, together with an investigation into what more may be required to support those in need
• Intervention: supporting the supporters - training and guidance for those who may be working or living with someone who needs assistance, in order to help supporters spot and understand signs of stress and mental illness, and help the person seek expert help
• Making changes - working closely with the joint RCVS/British Veterinary Association Vet Futures project (www.vetfutures.org.uk) to help identify aspects of how the profession is structured and run (from student to retirement) that exacerbate stress and mental health problems - and consider how they may be addressed

The Mind Matters Initiative is supported by a group comprising the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, the British Veterinary Association, the British Veterinary Nursing Association, the Veterinary Practice Management Association, the Veterinary Schools Council, the Veterinary Defence Society and the Association of Veterinary Students.

Linnaeus has appointed Tim Richardson as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Prior to becoming COO, Tim was Managing Director of three referral hospitals owned by Linnaeus – Davies Veterinary Specialists, London Veterinary Specialists and Southfields Veterinary Specialists – and a number of its primary care sites.

Prior to joining Linnaeus, Tim worked in Iceland, where he was a vet for the Icelandic Government.

On his return from Iceland in 2016, he joined Village Vet and then progressed into a range of regional management and practice leadership positions across the industry.

Tim said: "I am proud to be part of our wonderful, unique industry that, although currently facing a number of challenges, continues to make such a difference to the lives of our patients and their owners every day.

“In my first vet role in mixed practice, I was fortunate to receive brilliant support, guidance and encouragement from my team.

"Since then, I have always wanted to do the same for my colleagues, particularly those who are just starting their careers.

“I have used my experience within the veterinary profession to support some fantastic teams at Linnaeus.

"Becoming COO is an honour and opportunity that will enable me to help even more people across the business.”

Petplan has launched a new look policy range to give pet owners more comprehensive cover and make it easier for them to understand the types of cover available.

Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said the refreshed policies will not only benefit the pet and their owner but the changes will also allow veterinary staff to explain the policies with a lot more clarity: "Since Petplan started 35 years ago the pet insurance market and vet industry has changed significantly, especially in the last few years. There are now over 250 policies in the market with varying benefits and levels of cover, which often confuses customers to a point where they think they're getting lifetime cover but they're instead trapped with a restrictive policy.

"The veterinary industry is also continually changing with advances in new technology and better diagnostics allowing the industry to save and treat more pets, which means our policies need to evolve with them."

To better understand these changing market dynamics, Petplan held focus groups with veterinary staff from across the UK and undertook extensive research with charities, breeders, customers and non-customers.

Apparently, the feedback showed that Petplan needed to communicate its range of policies more clearly, to shift away from the confusion created by other brands and meet the changing demands of the vet industry and pet owners better.

For this reason, Petplan says it has simplified its policy range, adding and increasing each policy's benefits, making a 12 month policy available for practices to offer, and developing easy-to-understand policy names.

Petplan's new look policies for both cats and dogs are: 

• Petplan Ultimate - Petplan's most comprehensive Covered for Life plan with exclusive additional benefits and up to £12,000 vet fee cover for complete peace of mind. Maximum protection for maximum reassurance.
• Petplan Classic - Petplan's most popular plan providing comprehensive Covered for Life pet insurance for accidents and chronic illnesses. The original Covered for Life policy.
• Petplan Essential - providing high quality 12-month cover for accidents and illness. Petplan quality at an affordable price.

Petplan says its Covered for Life policies, Petplan Ultimate and Petplan Classic, will continue to provide pet owners with the best cover in the market. However, the company recognises that these policies are not always suitable for people with older pets or a limited budget.

Simon said: "Petplan Essential, our 12 month policy, will also now be available for veterinary staff to offer to their customers. While our Covered for Life Ultimate and Classic will continue to be our leading policies and at the heart of what we do, it's better that a pet owner has some type of cover rather than nothing at all and Essential is a market leading 12 month policy."

Zeta Frasca, practice owner and vet at Kitten to Cat in Richmond London said: "These changes will not only make it clearer for the pet owner but it will also make it a lot easier for us as an industry to explain pet insurance to our clients, which is really important."

For more information about Petplan's new look policies visit www.petplan.co.uk, call their dedicated Vetline on 0800 3168 8900 or talk to your Petplan Business Developer.

The following table outlines each policy and its benefits: