National Microchipping Month is supported every June and provides a great opportunity for us to remind dog and cat owners about the importance of getting your pet microchipped.
Microchipping your pets plays a significant part in your care for them and helps to ensure that you are happily reunited if they ever go missing. It has been mandatory to microchip all dogs in the UK since 2016, with the same set to apply to cats from 2023.
Microchipping is quick and safe and to your pet, will feel like getting their normal vaccinations. It only takes a few seconds, so there’s minimal discomfort. The chip itself is very small – about the size of grain of rice – and is implanted just under the skin on the back of your pet’s neck.
There are a handful of reasons why your pet can go missing; even the homeliest of dogs or cats can easily find themselves lost and confused if they wander a bit too far. If that ever does happen, your pet’s microchip will have a unique number that can be scanned by a vet, animal warden or police station in the UK to identify the animal’s details, including your emergency contact number so that they can be reunited with you safe and sound.
Unlike collars or tags that can be removed or lost, once your pet has been microchipped, their unique code will be linked to the national database and will last their lifetime.
Remember: If your contact details change for any reason (including your address), you need to make sure this information is updated.
This National Microchipping Month, please ensure your dog or cat is microchipped. Not only is it important for their welfare, but it will also give you peace of mind. Microchipping is included free with our Pet Care Plans, making it the purrfect time to sign up! Prices start from as little as £10.50 per month.
Get in contact with your local St Kitts branch to book an appointment today.
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) was originally launched back in 2005 by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Its aim was simple: to raise awareness about the importance of the work veterinary nurses do within practice and the wider industry.
Because of this, we’ll be celebrating our wonderful veterinary nurses throughout May and would love you to join us!
Our veterinary nurses are integral to the team here at St Kitts Veterinary Group. They have the technical knowledge and expertise to ensure the smooth running of our four practices, caring for our customers’ pets with skill and empathy. They also:
There are two main pathways you can take to train as a veterinary nurse – vocational training or higher education. Regardless of which route you choose, you’ll need to make sure your course is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Vocational training
A vocational qualification is the fastest way to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). You can complete a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which can take as little as 2 years to complete full-time.
This route means you’ll spend time both in the classroom and working in practice, so you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience.
Higher education
A Degree in Veterinary Nursing often takes between 3-4 years to complete. This path is more academically focused, but you will still need to complete a minimum amount of practical work experience on placements with approved practices.
This route is great if you want to experience life at university and gain a degree, potentially opening up different career paths or further study down the line.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages throughout May, as we’ll be sharing more insight into our veterinary nurses and what they do at our practices!
