Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Rabbit Awareness Week returns for 2025
RAW 2025 will promote the importance of appropriate rabbit housing.
This year’s theme is ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’.

The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has revealed the theme for this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW).

The campaign, running from 23- 27 June 2025, will focus on ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’, promoting the importance of correct indoor and outdoor housing for rabbits.

It is the 19th year of Rabbit Awareness Week, which has been endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Organisation (BSAVA) and is organised by Burgess Pet Care. RAAG says that the results of the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report highlights the urgency of its theme.

The PAW report revealed that 22 per cent of all pet rabbits were being kept in inadequate housing, such as small hutches or limited run space. This equates to approximately 180,000 rabbits.

The survey also found that just 66 per cent of rabbits were able to move freely between their hutch and their run. This leaves 23 per cent that had to be let in or out by their owner, while nine per cent had to be physically moved by their owner.

Rabbits which were kept in inadequate enclosures were less likely to be able to move freely between their hutch and their run.

Nine per cent of rabbit owners said they had chosen inadequate housing based on advice from a retailer, while seven per cent said they chose it because no larger enclosures were available.

RAAG says that these statistics highlight a need to promote the correct housing environments needed for indoor and outdoor rabbits. This year’s campaign will feature a range of blogs, videos and digital waiting room resources to provide appropriate advice.

RAW 2025 is set to launch at Woodgreen Pets Charity, one of its supporters, and will bring together members of the veterinary community and supporters of RAW.

Julian Hoad, BSAVA president, said: "The BSAVA is delighted to once again be endorsing Rabbit Awareness Week for 2025.

“Despite being the UK's third most popular pet, rabbits are still frequently kept in suboptimal conditions. With the many resources available, we hope this increases the awareness of good rabbit husbandry."

Veterinary practices can download resources and get involved on the RAAG website.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.