Author Archives: Amber Tennant

Wildlife and Exotics Congress October 2023

Join us for our first Wildlife and Exotics Congress!

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our very first Wildlife and Exotics Congress on Thursday 19 October 2023!

Here’s what this virtual congress has to offer:

  • 7 hours of specially curated CPD all about the care of wildlife and exotics
  • 5 brilliant lectures on the care of British wild fauna, triaging the avian patient, reptile cases in practice, nursing aquatic patients and rabbit care 
  • Professional speakers from LagoLearn Ltd, The Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses (AZEVN) and more
  • Industry exhibition, with exhibitors including Pet Remedy, Milldpledge Veterinary and Burtons Veterinary Equipment
  • Ask questions during live Q&As, and network with fellow delegates and exhibitors
  • An event goodie bag with surprise gifts, plus a lunch/dinner voucher provided
  • Lecture recordings will be sent to delegates after the event

If you head over to our website early and register before 25 August, we’ll apply our Early Bird discount to your booking, saving you £60!

Book a place at Wildlife and Exotics Congress

Learn more about the care of wildlife and exotics in veterinary practice

Our agenda for our very first Wildlife and Exotics Congress is here, and we can’t wait to watch it in October! Join us virtually on Thursday 19 October, to hear from expert speakers and pick up 7 hours of CPD. Programme highlights include…

  • Preliminary Veterinary Care of British Wild Fauna
  • Triaging the Avian Patient
  • Rabbits – How to get the Bloods out and the Meds in
  • Reptile Factfile: The ABC’s of dealing with reptiles in practice
  • Nursing Aquatic Patients

With our Early Bird discount available until 25 August, now is the best time to book as you will save £60 on your ticket!

Download the agenda

Enjoy a virtual programme delivered by professional speakers

We’re excited to introduce an amazing line up of speakers for Wildlife and Exotics Congress! Our speakers offer a wealth of knowledge and experience, and you’ll get the opportunity to pick their brains during live Q&A sessions. Take part in the virtual event on Thursday 19 October and listen to lectures from…

  • Nicola Williams BSc (Hons) RVN C&GCertVNES
  • Iain Cope, BSc (VetSci) (Hons), CertAVP(ZM), BVM&S, MRCVS, RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine
  • Dr Fabian Rivers MVDr GPCert (ExAP) MRCVS from Dready Vet
  • Jo Hinde-Megarity RVN, co-owner of LagoLearn Ltd
  • Matthew Rendle RVN from The Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses

Find out more about the speakers

Get a discount on your ticket to Wildlife and Exotics Congress

If you book your place at Wildlife and Exotics Congress before Friday 25 August 2023, you can attend for the early bird price of just £125+VAT, and save £60!

Book a place at Wildlife and Exotics Congress

Veterinary Receptionist Congress

You’re invited to our first Veterinary Receptionist Congress!

You’re invited to our first Veterinary Receptionist Congress on Wednesday 4 October 2023, and registration is open now!

Veterinary Receptionist Congress is a one-day virtual event that explores all aspects of the veterinary receptionist role – from the many different responsibilities, to the challenges that are faced on a daily basis. 

  • Gain 7 hours CPD from the comfort of your own home
  • Expert speakers will deliver a range of insightful online lectures
  • There will be a chance to ask questions during live Q&A sessions
  • A range of exhibitors will be showcasing their products/services
  • Recordings of all the lectures will be accessible online up until the next congress
  • We will send you an event pack, full of snacks and surprise goodies
  • If you book before 1 September 2023, you can attend at a discounted rate

Book online now

Grow in your role as a veterinary receptionist

Whether you are a new or aspiring veterinary receptionist, or have been one for many years, our annual conference offers a unique opportunity to develop the key role you play in veterinary practice. Join us this October to hear more about:

  • Dealing with Difficult Clients
  • Communication Skills
  • Talking to Clients about Money
  • Supporting Bereaved Pet Owners
  • Patient-friendly practice

Download the agenda

Enjoy a virtual programme delivered by professional speakers

We’re excited to introduce an amazing line up of speakers for our next event! Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to congress, and you’ll get the opportunity to pick their brains during live Q&A sessions. Take part in the virtual event on Wednesday 4 October and listen to lectures from…

  • Anne-Marie Svendsen Aylott Cand.Med.Vet, MRCVS, NLP Master Practitioner, Leadership coach and trainer, PurpleCat Coaching Ltd
  • Karen Froud-Murray VN FISM AdcertCIM, Vital Spark Training Consultants Ltd
  • Hannah Perrin BSc MA PGCHE PGDipHE PhD FHEA, Veterinary Management Group (VMG)
  • Diane James, Blue Cross For Pets
  • Linda Ryan BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare, VTS (Behaviour and Oncology), DipAVN (Medical), KPA-CTP, RVN, CCAB, Inspiring Pet Teaching

Read more about our speakers

Save £60 on your ticket to Veterinary Receptionist Congress by registering before 1 September 2023!

If you book your place by 1 September 2023, you can attend congress for the discounted Early Bird price of just £125+VAT – saving you £60!

Book your place now

Veterinary Care Assistant

Career Spotlight: Veterinary Care Assistant

As part of Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight the important work of Veterinary Care Assistants (also known as Animal Nursing Assistants) in veterinary practice.

Veterinary Care Assistants work alongside veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses to provide supportive care to sick, injured and hospitalised animals. The work is varied and offers great career progression, with many VCAs going on to undertake further on-the-job training or study veterinary nursing.

Today, we’re exploring the role of Veterinary Care Assistants and Animal Nursing Assistants in more detail, including the training options and career progression opportunities available:  

What do Veterinary Care Assistants do?

Veterinary care assistants are important members of today’s modern veterinary team. They work alongside veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to provide vital nursing care, ensuring that the wellbeing of small animal patients is paramount. As part of the role VCAs and ANAs may be involved in:

  • Exercising, grooming and feeding hospitalised animals
  • Monitoring and providing supportive care to inpatients
  • Preparing theatre and relevant equipment
  • Cleaning and preparing accommodation for animals
  • Restraining animals for treatment using Fear Free techniques
  • Reception duties, including advising clients on preventative health care e.g. flea treatment
  • Record keeping

What progression opportunities are available to Veterinary Care Assistants / Animal Nursing Assistants?

Veterinary Care is a rewarding career and many veterinary care assistants undertake additional qualifications within the role to boost their skills and experience. Some VCAs undertake the Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in the Monitoring of Animal Patients Under Anaesthesia and Sedation qualification in order to help assist veterinary surgeons with the monitoring of companion animals under anaesthesia and sedation.

There are also opportunities for VCAs who have reception duties to study additional qualifications in veterinary reception or customer service. In addition, many training providers offer short courses and events open to VCAs looking to progress in their role and network with fellow delegates, such as our annual VCA Congress.

Veterinary Care Assistants also have the option to go on to train as a veterinary nurse if they wish to do so. VCAs/ANAs who successfully complete one of our veterinary care qualifications, alongside a full level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics (i.e. GCSE Grade C or above/Functional Skills Level 2), will meet the academic entry requirements required to apply for our veterinary nursing diploma.

How do you become a Veterinary Care Assistant / Animal Nursing Assistant?

Gaining a recognised veterinary care qualification and building up practical experience working in a veterinary practice will help you enter the veterinary care industry. For example, at The College of Animal Welfare we offer the following routes into veterinary care:

This qualification is aimed at those entering the veterinary care industry for the first time with no formal training or experience. This course covers all the basics such as handling and restraint, maintaining equipment, animal health and anatomy and more.

This qualification is designed for those working in a veterinary care support role. During the programme you will learn the relevant practical skills and underpinning knowledge needed to provide a good level of support to the veterinary nurse and veterinary surgeon.

As a veterinary care apprentice you will work in a veterinary environment providing supportive care to small animal patients. You will gain practical on-the-job skills whilst studying for your apprenticeship via online distance learning.

There are not usually any formal academic qualifications required to start training as a veterinary care assistant. However, many training providers will look favourably on qualifications in Maths and English, in addition to some experience working with animals. Many veterinary care programmes also require you to be working or volunteering in a veterinary practice before applying for a course. You can gain advice and guidance about how to find work in a veterinary practice on our website.

Start your career as a veterinary care assistant today

If you’re looking for a rewarding job in a veterinary practice that offers the opportunity to progress, have you considered becoming a Veterinary Care Assistant? Whether you’re just out of school and looking to kick-start a career with animals, have always wanted to work with animals and looking for a career change, or unemployed and looking to get back into the industry, veterinary care could be the perfect career for you. You can find out more about our veterinary care qualifications on our website.

 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Mental Health Awareness Week Activities for Students and Staff (15-21 May 2023)

This Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May 2023), we’re excited to share we will be running a variety of activities in centre for our students, as well as providing resources and wellbeing opportunities throughout the week. Read on to find out what we have planned…

Take part in our lunchtime activity sessions for students and staff

Whether it’s curling up with a good book or exploring the great outdoors, it’s important to take time out to focus on self-care. With this in mind, we will be holding a series of lunchtime activity sessions over the course of the week (15-19 May 2023) at our centres, which are open to all students and staff to take part in! Whether you’d like to bring a book to our book swap, or sit down for a mindful colouring session, there is something for everyone.

Please check below to see what activities will be taking place at your centre. We can’t wait to see you there!

Huntingdon centre

  • Colouring
  • Book exchange
  • Jigsaws
  • Crochet

Monday 15th May: 12.15pm-1.15pm, Lecture Room 109
Tuesday 16th May: 12.15pm-1.15pm, Meeting Room 5
Wednesday 17th May – Friday 19th May: 12.15pm-1.15pm, Lecture Room 109

Leeds centre

  • Colouring
  • Book exchange
  • Jigsaws

Monday 15th May – Friday 19th May: Arena at lunchtime

North London centre

  • Colouring
  • Book exchange

Monday 15th May – Friday 19th May: 12:15pm-1pm, Library 

Wigan centre

  • Colouring
  • Knitting
  • Felting

Monday 15th May – Wednesday 17th May: Colouring, 12pm-1pm, Student Common Room
Thursday 18th May – Friday 19th May: Felting and Knitting, 12pm-1pm, Student Common Room

Book a wellbeing chat with our mental health working group

Have you got something on your mind and would like someone to talk to? To make sure we can provide as much support as possible, we’re also offering virtual sessions throughout the week, for any student who would like to have a wellbeing chat with a member of our mental health support group. To book a wellbeing chat, simply email our Learning Support Team at learningsupport@caw.ac.uk to arrange a time that works for you.

Come to our stand and learn more about the wellbeing support we offer

At The College of Animal Welfare and CAW Business School, we offer a variety of resources and services to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, that you can access free of charge. Pop over to our stands in centre at any time throughout the week (15-19 May 2023), to learn more about what we offer. We can tell you more about Fika, Togetherall, CAW counselling services and much more!

Emergency Alerts

Emergency Alerts

The government has launched a new emergency alert system that will allow urgent messages to be rapidly transmitted to mobile phones and tablets in a defined area.

Alerts will be sent by the emergency services or government departments, agencies and public bodies, where there is a risk to life.  This could be, for example, in the event of severe flooding, fires, or extreme weathers.

Personal privacy will not be affected as the alerts do not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data.  The UK government does not need your phone number, to send you the alert.

When your device receives the alert, it will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for up to 10 seconds.  This will be accompanied by a notification on your home screen, which may include telephone numbers or website link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

What you need to do

When you get an alert, you should stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.

If you are driving, you should continue to drive and not respond to the emergency alert or attempt to pick up the mobile phone and deal with the message.

You should find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message.

If there is nowhere safe or legal to stop close by, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, tune into live radio and wait for bulletins until you can find somewhere safe and legal to stop.

Emergency Test

This new system will go live on Sunday 23 April and will be tested at 3pm that day.

Some people, such as those living with domestic abuse who may have a phone hidden in their house, or those with sound sensitive companion animals that will become highly distressed by a loud siren, may wish to turn their phone off completely during this time.

Checking you can receive the alerts

Emergency alerts work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. 

They can be received by iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later and Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later. 

You will not receive the alert if your mobile is switched off, in airplane mode, connected to a 2G or 3G network, connected to Wi-Fi only, or incompatible.

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted

If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert.

Alert languages

Emergency alerts will be sent in English. In Wales, they may also be sent in Welsh.

Opting out of emergency alerts

People who do not wish to receive the alerts will be able to opt out in their device settings. 

This may apply to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, who’s silent or secret mobile phones are reassuring lifelines, or those with sound sensitive companion animals, who will become highly distressed by a loud siren.

To opt out of the alert service on an iPhone:

  • To opt out, go to settings, click on ‘notifications’, scroll to the bottom of the page to find ‘Emergency Alerts’, tap the toggle to switch off ‘Extreme Alerts’ and ‘Severe Alerts’ – green means ‘on’ and grey means ‘off’. 
  • If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer. 
  • For further advice go to gov.uk/alerts/opt-out

Opt Out Android phones and tablets:

  • To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts.
  • On Huawei devices running EMUI 11 or older, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off “Extreme threats”, “Severe threats” and “Show amber alerts”
  • If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.

Vets Now Ethnic Diversity Nursing Scholarship open for applications

Applications are open for the Vets Now Ethnic Diversity Nursing Scholarship.

Successful candidates will be awarded an annual grant of £2,500 for the duration of their course, mentoring from the Vets Now ethnic diversity scholarship board members and a support network to help them through their studies. 

In order to apply for the scholarship, you must be a UK or EU citizen who self-identifies as being from an ethnic minority, and applying to enter one of the UK or ROI nursing colleges on a course accredited with the RCVS as a ‘licence to practice’ in veterinary nursing for this years’ intake.

All applications must be completed and received in full by May 31st 2023. 

You can find out more and apply for the scholarship programme here.

Clinical Coach Congress 2023

Clinical Coach Congress is back in July, and tickets are on sale now!

Clinical Coach Congress is back on Wednesday 5th July 2023, and is now open for registrations! 

Clinical Coach Congress is a unique conference dedicated purely to supporting clinical coaches and those involved in veterinary nurse training. Here’s why you should come along…

  • You’ll gain 7 hours CPD from the comfort of your own home
  • Expert speakers will deliver a range of insightful online lectures
  • There will be a chance to ask questions during live Q&A sessions
  • A range of exhibitors will be showcasing their products/services
  • Recordings of all the lectures will be accessible online up until the next congress
  • We will send you an event pack, full of snacks and surprise goodies
  • If you book before 12 May 2023, you can attend at a discounted rate

Book online now

Gain useful advice and guidance to help you grow in your role as a clinical coach

Whether you are a new or aspiring clinical coach, or have been one for many years, our annual conference offers a unique opportunity to develop the key role you play in the professional development of your students. Join us this Summer to hear more about:

  • Establishing a Successful Mentoring Relationship
  • A Crash Course in Confidence – For You and Your Student
  • Updates to the VN Qualification and a Masterclass for the New ePortfolio
  • How to Support Your Student with their Revision – Tips and Tricks to Help Your Student Succeed
  • Preparing Students for OSCEs – The Mental Game

Download the agenda

Enjoy a virtual programme delivered by professional speakers

We’re excited to introduce an amazing line up of speakers for our next event! Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to congress, and you’ll get the opportunity to pick their brains during live Q&A sessions. Take part in the virtual event on Wednesday 5 July and listen to lectures from…

  • Alice Hewitt BVetMed(Hons) MA PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS from Alice Hewitt Coaching
  • Dr Libby Kemkaran-Thompson MA VETMB MRCVS from Kemkaran Consulting Ltd
  • Jennifer Scrimshaw RVN from The College of Animal Welfare
  • Meg Richards FdSc RVN Canine Hydrotherapist
  • Catherine Rolfe Grad Dip VN RVN FHEA

Read more about our speakers

Save £60 on your ticket to Clinical Coach Congress by registering before 12 May 2023!

If you book your place by 12 May 2023, you can attend congress for the discounted Early Bird price of just £125+VAT – saving you £60!

Book your place now

BSAVA Handbook of Veterinary Nursing available on CAW eLibrary

BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing now available on our eLibrary

We’re excited to announce the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing 6th Edition is now accessible on our eLibrary, giving our students free, 24/7 digital access to this core textbook for the first time!

This handbook continues to be a classic core textbook for veterinary nursing students and a helpful resource for qualified nurses, introducing a range of key veterinary nursing skills and theory. We are thrilled to be able to offer our students and staff digital access to this important resource.

In order to view the textbook, students simply need to enter our new eLibrary ‘Kortext’, which is accessible via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  

To access the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing 6th Edition eBook:

  • Click on the Kortext Icon located in the right side bar of the VLE
  • Search for and Select ‘The College of Animal Welfare’ from the drop down box 
  • Enter your VLE (Moodle) ID number and password

You should now be able to view the textbook in the library. 

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the helpdesk.

CAW Open Days

Are you interested in studying at CAW? Join us for one of our Open Days…

We’re delighted to announce we’re restarting our face-to-face open days! We have the following open days coming up…

  • Wednesday 26 April 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Huntingdon
  • Tuesday 9 May 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Leeds
  • Tuesday 23 May 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Edinburgh
  • Wednesday 12 July 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Huntingdon
  • Wednesday 18 October 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Huntingdon

During our open days, you’ll be able to view the facilities, meet some of our tutors, ask any questions you may have, and find out about our courses and what it is like to study with us.

Whether you’re interested in working with animals (such as becoming a veterinary nurse or a dog groomer), or looking to undertake a business-related course (such as AAT accountancy or business administration) join us to discover how we can help you plan for your future – it’s completely free to attend.

Please register your attendance to let us know you’ll be coming along. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register your attendance here

Dog Grooming Congress 25 June

You’re invited to Dog Grooming Congress on Sunday 25 June 2023!

We’re delighted to invite you to join us at our *new* Dog Grooming Congress, taking place at our Huntingdon centre on Sunday 25 June (9.30am-4.30pm).

Sponsored by Mutneys Professional Pet Care, Dog Grooming Congress is a one day event exploring all aspects of dog grooming; from the many different responsibilities, to the challenges that come with the role.

Aimed specifically at both new and experienced dog groomers, attendees will be able to listen to lectures by expert speakers in the dog grooming industry, and gain valuable knowledge and inspiration to take back to the dog grooming salon. 

Boost your dog grooming skills with our programme of live demos and presentations

On the day, we’ll be welcoming a fantastic line up of expert speakers and industry exhibitors, for a jam-packed day full of exciting live demos, Q&As and presentations. Agenda highlights include:

  • Asian Fusion Demo and Q&A by A-list dog groomer Vasileios Barlos
  • The Business of Pet Grooming lecture by animal business experts Bill Betts (Pet Passion to Profit) and Vicky Clark (The Pet Accountant)
  • Showing Poodles Demo by Allison and Morgan Taite-Shoosmith, two time winner of Groomer of the Year and Top Junior Handler at Crufts 2022
  • Competition Grooming in Doubles Demo by award winning dog groomers Vic Harwin & Jodie Stevenson
  • Kind Hands presentation by Julie Harris, lifetime achievement award winner for services to the dog grooming industry in 2021
  • Introducing Reiki into Your Salon presentation by Rob Fellows of Rob Fellows Reiki
  • Ttouch for Groomers presentation by Tina Constance from Telling Ttouch Training

View and download the agenda

Gain product knowledge and offers from our exhibitors

A variety of industry exhibitors will be joining us at Dog Grooming Congress, to showcase the fantastic products and services they have to offer. Come along to gain information, product information and offers! Exhibitors so far include Mutneys Professional Pet Care, Harris and Hargraves, Rob Fellows Reiki, WildWash, Pet Passion to Profit and many more.

View all our exhibitors 

Book your place for just £60!

For more information about Dog Grooming Congress, including details about how to book online, visit our website.