Welfare In Practice

Through the stories of three new RVC graduates, SAWS will explore what 'animal welfare' means in first-opinion practices. - What animal welfare challenges do new grads face in first-opinion? - How do they speak up for these animals in their positions? - How about the welfare concerns of new graduates themselves?

Ranging from graduate schemes to mixed practice to exotic internships, our guests will share their thoughts and experiences regarding the challenges and opportunities to improve and protect animal welfare in first-opinion practices. This is a crucial time where graduates transition from being a student to taking sole responsibility as a veterinarian, practicing clinical skills and solving welfare problems on a daily basis.

• Angus (small animals): I moved to Yorkshire with my dog, Casper, in August to work at a small animal hospital affiliated with IVC (Independent Vet Care). I see a mix of cases and also work out-of-hours shifts. My main interests lie in ultrasound and nutrition, but enjoy a bit of everything!
• Latta (mixed, primarily farm animals and horses): HI! I first started doing placement where I work when I was 14, and I carried on doing the majority of my large animal placement here throughout uni. I’m an ambulatory vet spending most of my time seeing farm animals and horses, but I see a few small animals a week. I love how varied my caseload is and the freedom I have in treating/consulting etc.
• Clarissa (exotics and small animals): Clarissa has a huge interest in exotics and started a small animal/exotics internship after graduating from the RVC in 2020. After 2.5 months, she handed in her notice. She is now working as a first opinion vet, focusing mainly on smallies. Always happy to share her stories and give tips on how to find the right first job for future new grads.

This will be a casual Q&A with 3 new graduates from the RVC. An event not to be missed!

SAWS members will have the chance to win TWO £10 AMAZON VOUCHERS!!!