On 1 October 2016, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates increased. These increases are designed to pull up wages in line with inflation. There are no changes to the National Living Wage (NLW) – for workers aged 25 and over- which was introduced in April 2016, this remains at £7.20 per hour. However all other […]
The College of Animal Welfare News Blog
National Minimum Wage Increases: 1 October 2016
Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Stoptober
Did you know smoking is the biggest cause of death and illness in the UK? 1 cigarette contains around 4800 chemicals; only 69 are known. Smoking can cause unrepairable damage to our lungs which make it harder for smokers to breathe. Passive smoking is dangerous because although you can’t see the smoke the chemicals can […]

Boost your mental wellbeing this World Mental Health Day
Mental health problems are incredibly common. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the past week have experienced a common mental health problem. Just as people are not defined by their physical injuries and disabilities, mental illness is not a character flaw and is not a sign of personal weakness. Defining people by their […]
New bite-sized courses set to help dog owners keep their dogs in tip-top condition
Bite-sized dog grooming courses recently developed by The College of Animal Welfare’s dog grooming team, will give dog owners in the Huntingdonshire area the opportunity to learn more about how to care for, and groom, their dog’s coat. The new, two-part, courses starting in October at our centre in Godmanchester, will begin by allowing the […]
New bite-sized courses set to help dog owners keep their dogs in tip-top condition
Bite-sized dog grooming courses recently developed by The College of Animal Welfare’s dog grooming team, will give dog owners in the Huntingdonshire area the opportunity to learn more about how to care for, and groom, their dog’s coat. The new, two-part, courses starting in October at the College’s education and training centre in Godmanchester, will […]
Annual renewal fee deadline for veterinary nurses fast approaching
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has sent its annual notice to the majority of veterinary nurses, noting that the annual renewal fee of £61 required for continued registration on the VN register is due by 1 November. The renewal fee can be paid online using a debit or credit card, or by cheque, […]
Canicross recognised by The Kennel Club
The Kennel Club has recognised canicross as an official canine activity. With 8.5 million dogs in the UK and a growing canine obesity problem, canicross is a fun and easy way for owners and their dogs to stay active and explore the great outdoors. In order to take part in canicross, an owner wears a […]

BVA survey reveals 98% of vets asked to euthanise healthy pets
A survey of companion animal vets undertaken by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has revealed that almost all companion animal vets have been asked to euthanise healthy pets, with half (53%) saying this was not a rare occurrence and 98% of those who had been asked citing the owner’s reason as their pet’s behaviour. Problem […]
Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Ahhh flu!
Did you know the flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 8 hours? Symptoms of the flu can include temperatures, tiredness, headaches, pains/aches and sore throats. To prevent getting the flu you can book an appointment with your doctor to get the vaccine. This is free to anyone over 65, pregnant woman and […]
Nominations now open for International Canine Health Awards
Nominations are now open for the prestigious International Canine Health Awards, which are returning for the fifth year running to celebrate some of the world’s finest researchers and scientists whose work has had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of dogs. The three categories for the International Canine Health Awards are: The International […]