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New app to support pet health during COVID-19
The Pet Health Pal app is powered by Facebook Messenger and WhatsAPP chatbots.

Digital tool will give owners quick access to valuable advice.

A new app to support the health and wellbeing of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond has been launched by Mars PetCare in collaboration with the Waltham Science Institute.

The free Pet Health Pal app, powered by the Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp chatbot system, is being launched both in the UK and USA. It will answer questions from owners related to pet health and ownership, covering topics such as health, food, exercise and happiness.

The tool is the first of its kind, specifically in today's COVID-19 environment, and forms part of Mars' mission 'to create a better world for pets'. Helen Warren-Piper, general manager of Mars PetCare UK, explains:
“During COVID-19, a number of pet parents have got in touch with questions and concerns about how best to take care of their pets during the pandemic. This is why at Mars Petcare we are launching the “Pet Health Pal” app, giving pet owners in our pet-loving nation easy and quick access to valuable advice and resources provided by experts at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

"From pet nutrition to general wellbeing “Pet Health Pal” will help pet parents give their four-legged friends the best possible care.”

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.