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Independent practice wins Practice of the Year
House & Jackson says it is 'proud' to have remained independent.
House & Jackson called the award an ‘enormous compliment’.

House & Jackson, an independent veterinary practice in Essex, has been named Practice of the Year at the Petplan Veterinary Awards.

The practice said it was ‘absolutely wonderful’ to win the accolade, having been nominated for the award by its clients.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Petplan Veterinary Awards, which received 38,000 nominations from clients and veterinary staff. House & Jackson was selected as one of three finalists, before being named Practice of the Year at a ceremony in Manchester.

The equine and small animal practice began in 1980 as a husband-and-wife team operating out of their own home.

It has since developed into an RCVS-accredited hospital, with two additional Pet Clinics nearby.

Throughout its history House & Jackson says it is ‘proud’ to have remained independent, and to have succeeded against corporate-owned competitors. The award-winning practice is a member of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), a community of independent practices which support each other to thrive in a challenging industry climate.

House & Jackson attributes its success to its ‘wonderfully talented’ veterinary surgeons and nurses, as well as an ‘incredible’ team of support staff.

It says that its passion and commitment to animals has rewarded the practice with loyal clients.

Following its win the practice has said that it will continue to provide its clients and patients with the best possible care, while extending the work it does with local charities RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The practice maintains that customer service remains its focus, as it continues to improve customer experience.

A spokesperson for House & Jackson said: “We wholeheartedly embrace being an independent practice; it allows us to take our own path, and we believe it makes us that little bit more special.

“We didn’t set out to win this award, but being recognised by our clients and the Petplan panel in this way is an enormous compliment. Other independents should feel equally empowered by their individuality.”

Image © Petplan

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.