Exploring the wide range of roles available to Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) can open doors to exciting and unexpected career paths. While many nurses remain in clinical practice, others discover opportunities that take their skills far beyond the traditional veterinary setting. Read on as, Corporal Jemima Riley, Hospital Manager, Veterinary Training Squadron, Defence Animal Training […]
The College of Animal Welfare News Blog
Corporal Jemima Riley: Life as a Veterinary Nurse in the British Army
Stress Awareness Month: #BeTheChange – Small Steps, Big Impact
April marks Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how stress affects our lives and what we can do to manage it. This year’s theme, #BeTheChange, is all about recognising the power of small, positive actions – steps that not only improve your own mental health but also support the wellbeing of those around […]
Apprenticeship Funding Changes from April 2026
From 1 April 2026, several updates to apprenticeship funding and contributions will come into effect for new starters. Below is an overview of the key changes: Changes for non-levy paying employers (employers with an annual pay bill of less than £3million): Fully funded apprenticeships for those aged 24 or under From April 2026, apprentices aged […]
Stay Smart: Protect Yourself from Student Fraud
Fraud is on the rise across the UK, and students are increasingly being targeted. Whether you’re managing your money, looking for work, or securing accommodation, it’s important to stay alert to the risks. Many scams are designed to look genuine. You might be offered an easy way to make money, find a great deal online, […]
Dog Grooming Events and Professional Development: Why It Matters and How to Build It into Your Career
Dog grooming is practical, creative and demanding. No two days are quite the same. One appointment may be a well maintained pet trim, the next a matted rescue dog who needs patience and careful handling. In a profession with so much variation, it’s important to keep learning. Professional development gives groomers a structured way to […]
Is a Dog Grooming Apprenticeship Worth It for Employers?
With rising demand for dog grooming services and increasing pressure on staffing, some salon owners may be looking at recruitment options and asking: is a dog grooming apprenticeship worth it for employers? Apprenticeships require time and commitment, so it’s completely reasonable to want to understand the return on investment before getting started. This article looks […]
New for 2026: Join us for Senior Pets Congress – Wednesday 3 June 2026!
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand‑new addition to our 2026 congress calendar — the Senior Pets Congress, taking place on Wednesday 3 June 2026 as a one‑day virtual event offering 7 hours of evidenced CPD Kindly sponsored by Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), this event has been created especially for veterinary professionals who want to build […]
Dog Grooming Congress 2026 is open for registration now!
We’re excited to announce our annual Dog Grooming Congress is returning in June! This year’s event is sponsored by Simpsons Grooming Supplies and is taking place on Sunday 14 June 2026 from our training centre in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Dog Grooming Congress aims to provide valuable knowledge and skills to both seasoned professionals and trainees in […]
Government-Funded Animal Care Apprenticeships Explained
Recruiting skilled, committed staff in the animal care sector has never been more important — but it doesn’t have to come with a high upfront cost. Training an animal care apprentice through The College of Animal Welfare allows employers to grow their workforce while benefiting from significant government funding and financial incentives. Apprenticeships: a cost-effective […]
New ILM Modular Leadership and Management Courses Coming this Summer
The ILM have announced a shake up of its leadership and management courses for 2026; moving towards a much more modular, human-centred, and “future-ready” structure. The new courses will be offered at levels 2 (team leaders), 3 (junior managers) and 5 (middle managers and department heads). The big shift is to be modular and flexible […]