To enable better outcomes for patients, owners and veterinary teams, we have a number of welfare initiatives, focusing on achieving positive outcomes in difficult situations. 

These include the Non-Accidental Injury support network, support for prosecutions, working with animal welfare organisations and the IVC Evidensia Care Fund.
 

We have a Welfare Team in place who support UK veterinary teams with any animal welfare concern they may come across while working in practice. 

This can apply to small animal, exotics, farm or equine, ensuring no matter what species or location, all vet professionals receive the right support when they need it.

Whether it is a difficult case or a problem interacting with a welfare charity, the team are on hand for all IVC Evidensia veterinary staff to get in touch with, using a centralised email address which is monitored 24/7.

In addition, there are a number of casework guides that can be accessed by vets to help them with dealing with very specific cases, with topics including Mutilations and Non-Accidental Injury.

The NAI support initiative was first launched in November 2020, as a resource that IVC Evidensia staff could use when dealing with Non-Accidental Injury cases in practice. 

Spearheaded by David Martin, Group Veterinary Welfare Advisor, it originally consisted of a series of posters and webinars educating staff and raising awareness of complicated cases during the pandemic, when statistics for domestic violence were on the rise.

Today, it has evolved into a dedicated support line open to the entire veterinary profession. By using the QR code, any vet with a serious welfare concern can gain direct access to the Welfare Team and receive expert advice.

When veterinary professionals are asked to be involved with court proceedings involving animal welfare, our team can provide vital support.

This can go a long way in assisting organisations such as the RSPCA, SSPCA and Trading Standards in securing prosecutions where animal cruelty or neglect has occurred. The support available covers the appropriate forensic approach to the case, statement writing and (where necessary) court appearance. 

Last year, the Welfare Team contributed expert testimony in a case where many species of big cats were kept in unsuitable conditions. By collaborating with multiple institutions to collate evidence, our team were able to help 23 exotic cats find new, safe homes. 

We work tirelessly with animal welfare organisations and charities for the betterment of the patients committed to our care. 

This involves developing resources and support for our teams to enable a streamlined approach to charity work, including assistance in identifying which charity can support a client in any specific circumstance.