Veterinary and pet health experts met to discuss best practice and share ideas at a two-day conference based at PDSA’s headquarters.
The vet charity, based in Telford, Shropshire, welcomed world renowned speakers to the event, which focused on how vets can help improve the main welfare issues facing the UK’s companion animals, as shown by the annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report.
The PDSA Pet Wellbeing Conference was made possible thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery and was hailed as a huge success by those attending.
Vicki Betton, PDSA policy and campaigns manager, chaired the conference and said: “The conference was attended by a Pet Wellbeing Champion from each of our 51 hospitals, so it was a great mixture of vets and vet nurses, as well as our community education team.
“The knowledge and advice received from the experts who presented, or led workshops, helps to provide an evidence-base for our work to tackle these big issues. It also positively influences the ideas and approaches of our vet teams which, in turn, will have a beneficial impact on the overall wellbeing of pets cared for in our hospitals, which is fantastic.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the speakers and those who attended and engaged in debate, posing challenging and thought-provoking questions. The conference has been a huge success and we hope to host it again next year.”
Professor Mike Davies from the University of Nottingham and professor Jacqueline Reid from Glasgow University, were among the other expert speakers, who discussed topics ranging from pet obesity, pain scoring and nutrition, to pet behavioural issues and rabbit welfare.
The conference also welcomed current British Veterinary Association president and PDSA senior vet Sean Wensley, who addressed the delegates on the theme of animal welfare in the wider veterinary profession.
