Microchips provide dog owners with peace of mind, but a microchip only works if a) your dog has one and b) its registration information remains accurate.

Remember that if you live in England, Scotland or Wales it is a legal requirement to get your dog fitted with a microchip by the time it’s eight weeks old. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500. By getting a microchip implanted and information stored it means:

• Your dog can be re-united with you if it is stolen or lost
• The owners of dogs acting aggressively can be identified
• The owners of abused dogs can be identified and prosecuted
• You are respecting and following the law

How to get your dog microchipped

Charities such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and Blue cross centres across the UK may be able to microchip your dog for free or for a small donation. Alternatively, you can pay to have your vet or a trained microchip implanter microchip your dog.

Your dog’s microchip is given a number, which will show up whenever your dog is scanned. Make sure to make a note of your dog’s microchip number so that you can notify the microchip database of any new contact details when needed. You must make sure your dog is registered on one of the following databases:

• Animal Tracker
• Chipworks
• Identibase
• MicroChip Central
• MicroDogID
• National Veterinary Data Service
• Pet Database
• Pet Identity UK
• Petlog
• ProtectedPet
• Smartchip
• UK PETtrac

Keeping your dog’s microchip up-to-date

As a dog owner, you are responsible for keeping your dog’s microchip information up-to-date, for example if you move house or change telephone numbers. To do so, you will need to contact the database company your dog is registered with directly.

If you don’t know which database your dog is registered on, you can check the microchip number for this information by asking a vet, dog warden or dog rescue centre to scan your dog.

Have you been there, done that and got the gown and gloves?

If so, why not share your knowledge and experience of veterinary nursing with the next generation? At The College of Animal Welfare we are currently recruiting for a number of teaching and educational support positions at our Potters Bar centre. Previous experience in education or teaching is not usually required, as successful candidates will join our training programme and be mentored as their career develops.

Take a look at what roles we’re recruiting for below, and make sure to sign up to hear about new vacancies at CAW as they arise…

Veterinary Nursing Lecturer

Due to the continued success and growth of our Potters Bar centre we’re currently recruiting for full time / part time or visiting lecturers.

Lecturing is perfect for those with a genuine enthusiasm and passion for their subject. The position will involve teaching on both the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programmes, as well as supporting the delivery of the centres short courses.

The successful candidate will either be a veterinary surgeon or a degree qualified registered veterinary nurse. Teaching qualifications are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. We welcome applications from those who are currently employed in the veterinary profession and wish to explore career development opportunities.

View Job Description | Apply

If you’re interested in becoming a lecturer, but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, read more about what it’s like to be a lecturer at CAW!

Clinical Skills Lecturer

We currently have a permanent vacancy for a Clinical Skills Lecturer at Potters Bar. The position will involve co-facilitating the delivery of practical skills teaching on both the Diploma and BSc (Hons) veterinary nurse programmes and providing NPL support and guidance to clinical coaches and students.

The successful candidate will be either an MRCVS or RVN and have recently acted in either a similar role or be an experienced clinical coach. Excellent communication and organisational skills, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to help students achieve are essential attributes for the role.

View Job Description | Apply

Internal Quality Assurer

Due to expansion we currently have a vacancy for an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) to join our team at our Potters Bar centre.

As an Internal Quality Assurer, you will have a varied and interesting role providing support to veterinary practices, Clinical Coaches and students both in the workplace and in the college setting.

You will be responsible for managing key relationships between the College and employers and other stakeholders, and for carrying out internal quality assurance of Veterinary Nursing Training.

The successful applicant will be an MRCVS or RVN who can demonstrate excellent communication skills, self-motivation, be highly organised and exhibit attention to detail. If you are looking to further your career in academia this could be the ideal opportunity for you to gain valuable experience.

View Job Description | Apply

If you’re interested in becoming an IQA, but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, read more about what it’s like to work as an IQA for The College of Animal Welfare.

If you’re keen to use your knowledge to help the next generation, but can’t see yourself leaving practice, have you considered training as a clinical coach?

Clinical coaches act as a mentor to veterinary nursing students in practice, and support them in completion of their Nursing Progress Log (NPL). We offer free clinical coach training to those working at CAW Training Practices, and those supporting CAW students.
View our upcoming clinical coach training sessions

Have you been there, done that and got the gown and gloves?

If so, why not share your knowledge and experience of veterinary nursing with the next generation? At The College of Animal Welfare we are currently recruiting for a number of teaching and educational support positions at our Potters Bar centre. Previous experience in education or teaching is not usually required, as successful candidates will join our training programme and be mentored as their career develops.

Take a look at what roles we’re recruiting for below, and make sure to sign up to hear about new vacancies at CAW as they arise…

Veterinary Nursing Lecturer

Due to the continued success and growth of our Potters Bar centre we’re currently recruiting for full time / part time or visiting lecturers.

Lecturing is perfect for those with a genuine enthusiasm and passion for their subject. The position will involve teaching on both the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programmes, as well as supporting the delivery of the centres short courses.

The successful candidate will either be a veterinary surgeon or a degree qualified registered veterinary nurse. Teaching qualifications are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. We welcome applications from those who are currently employed in the veterinary profession and wish to explore career development opportunities.

View Job Description | Apply

If you’re interested in becoming a lecturer, but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, read more about what it’s like to be a lecturer at CAW!

Clinical Skills Lecturer

We currently have a permanent vacancy for a Clinical Skills Lecturer at Potters Bar. The position will involve co-facilitating the delivery of practical skills teaching on both the Diploma and BSc (Hons) veterinary nurse programmes and providing NPL support and guidance to clinical coaches and students.

The successful candidate will be either an MRCVS or RVN and have recently acted in either a similar role or be an experienced clinical coach. Excellent communication and organisational skills, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to help students achieve are essential attributes for the role.

View Job Description | Apply

Internal Quality Assurer

Due to expansion we currently have a vacancy for an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) to join our team at our Potters Bar centre.

As an Internal Quality Assurer, you will have a varied and interesting role providing support to veterinary practices, Clinical Coaches and students both in the workplace and in the college setting.

You will be responsible for managing key relationships between the College and employers and other stakeholders, and for carrying out internal quality assurance of Veterinary Nursing Training.

The successful applicant will be an MRCVS or RVN who can demonstrate excellent communication skills, self-motivation, be highly organised and exhibit attention to detail. If you are looking to further your career in academia this could be the ideal opportunity for you to gain valuable experience.

View Job Description | Apply

If you’re interested in becoming an IQA, but aren’t sure whether it’s for you, read more about what it’s like to work as an IQA for The College of Animal Welfare.

If you’re keen to use your knowledge to help the next generation, but can’t see yourself leaving practice, have you considered training as a clinical coach?

Clinical coaches act as a mentor to veterinary nursing students in practice, and support them in completion of their Nursing Progress Log (NPL). We offer free clinical coach training to those working at CAW Training Practices, and those supporting CAW students.
View our upcoming clinical coach training sessions

Would you know what to do if your dog was in trouble and needed urgent help?

Caring for dogs in an emergency takes many important skills. You need to be able to recognise what’s wrong; whether that be a dog suffering from heatstroke in the summer sunshine, or struggling to breathe after swallowing a strange object. You need to be able to remain calm, and respond confidently to ease your dog’s discomfort in the absence of immediate veterinary help. Not only this, but it is also important to know what you can do to prevent emergencies from occurring in the first place…

…that’s where Veterinary Nursing Lecturer and Veterinary Surgeon, Nina De Franco, comes in!

If you’re a dog owner keen to know more, why not join Nina on Friday 20 July for our First Aid for Dog Owners short course? From performing basic health checks, to knowing what to do when your dog has been poisoned; this half-day course will take a comprehensive look at how you can help your dog in moments of need!

You will walk away with all the information you need to, not only, prevent accidents (both at home and on the go) but also give you the confidence and skills to be able to competently handle any first aid emergency that may arise. You will cover basic CPR, as well as understand how to respond in the event of heatstroke, fits, unconsciousness – and much more!

The First Aid for Dog Owners short course takes place on Friday 20 July at our Huntingdon centre, from 10am-1pm. For further information and to book your place, visit https://goo.gl/q93fPq

If you love animals, at some point you may have thought about becoming your own boss and starting up a dog walking and pet sitting business.

But starting your own business can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before! There are accounts to sort, paperwork to keep and legal obligations to follow – and then there’s running your business day-to-day and spreading the word about what you do.

If this is something you’re considering but aren’t sure how to get started, the Beginners Guide to setting up a Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Business, our 2 day CPD course taking place from 4-5 August at our Huntingdon centre, will help get you started on your new venture!

Our lecturer, Kate, runs her own successful dog walking and pet sitting business and will guide you through all the things you need to know to start up, and maintain, a fully-fledged business; sharing her experiences from along the way. You will learn about evaluating the market, identify training opportunities, defining your services, marketing your business, insurance and tax records – and much much more!

To find out more about the course, or to book a place, visit https://goo.gl/7wXnKV

Brrrrr, its cold outside! As winter approaches and temperatures drop, it’s more important than ever that we’re looking out for our pets.

Wrap up warm!

Falling temperatures can be a serious hazard for pets – especially those who aren’t built to withstand the cold. Although frostbite and hypothermia is relatively uncommon, it can still happen!

Cats and thinly coated dogs, or those that are elderly or unwell, can be more risk from falling temperatures; make sure they’re safely inside when the weather gets cold and snowy. Investing in a dog or cat bed that is either raised or has sides with a warm blanket can help keep pets away from drafts. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, it might be worth purchasing a coat or fleece to keep them as insulated as possible when out and about.

Smaller pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits can be particularly vulnerable to colder temperatures. Make sure outdoor hutches are positioned so that rain and snow is unable to blow in. You could also partially cover hutches with a thick blanket, for extra warmth. If weather conditions are set to drop considerably, it would be worth bringing your pets’ hutch indoors or in a shed or garage for the duration of the bad weather.

Protect those paws!

Cold snow and ice can be uncomfortable to paws. Make sure to wash and completely dry your pet’s paws and underside after time outside, especially if they came into contact with any salt or chemical de-icer that could make your pet sick if they licked their paws.

Watch out for anti-freeze!

Anti-freeze is a huge hazard for pets in winter. It can often be found dripping from car radiators and even the smallest amount can be poisonous. Cats are particularly at risk due to its sweet taste and a cat’s freedom to roam the neighbourhood. Ensure you keep your dog on leads in areas where cars may have been to stop your pet from wandering and drinking from an anti-freeze laced puddle.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in cats and dogs can include ‘drunken’ like behaviour, vomiting and seizures. If you suspect your pet is suffering from anti-freeze poisoning, seek help and advice from your local vets as soon as possible.

Check your cars!

Even the wariest of cats often seek warmth and shelter under vehicle hoods during the colder months, enticed by the heat from engines after cars have been parked. Needless to say, this could end very badly. Make sure you tap your car bonnet before starting the engine to encourage those hiding to move out of the way.

Visibility first!

As it becomes darker earlier during the winter; it may be worth investing in a reflective collar for your pet, so that they can be easily spotted by drivers when out and about. For dogs, you could also consider reflective leads and jackets, to ensure they’re easily visible on evening walks. Make sure you think about reflective clothing for yourself too!

Ponds and Lakes

Make sure you keep your dog away from lakes and rivers that are iced over as thin ice can break under the weight of a dog with disastrous consequences.

If you have a fish pond, ensure you check it every day for ice to prevent a build-up of toxic gases. If your pond does ice over, do not break the ice with force as it can harm fish. Instead you could hold a saucepan of hot water on the surface to melt a hole in the ice. Long term, why not invest in a floating pond de-icer to ensure there is always at least a small area free of ice.