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The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has funded the production of the following information leaflets.
Some of our leaflets are available to download only - they have an * after the title. You can request copies of our other leaflets by telephone or email or download them in this section.
All of our leaflets are available free of charge although a donation to the Foundation would be appreciated.
Keeping pet chickens *
Chickens are becoming increasingly popular as pets. This leaflet provides information for prospective ownersincluding which breed to choose; sourcing and housing chickens; feeding and general husbandry tips.
click here to download a copy
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Caring for rabbits *
 Did you know that guinea pigs don't make good companions for rabbits? Do you know why muesli-style food is bad for your rabbit?
With rabbits among the most popular pets in the UK this e-leaflet provides simple, educational guidance for rabbit owners.
download a copy now
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Ornamental fish keeping
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Our leaflet Ornamental Fish Keeping aims to provide most of the information needed before purchasing your first fish, deciding which fish will suit you best and gives crucial advice in order to keep your fish healthy.
The leaflet outlines welfare needs, gives guidance on whether to choose freshwater or marine fish, and stresses the importance of purchasing fish from a reputable source. It also gives advice on the facilities required and how to maintain an aquarium or pond (with particular reference to water quality and plants) as well as highlighting the importance of correct diet and how to spot signs of disease or environmental deficiencies.
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Guidance on choosing your puppy*(download only)
An introduction to goat keeping
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Goats are curious animals that often enjoy human company and can make friendly and rewarding pets.
Our new leaflet An introduction to goat keeping aims to provide those new to goat keeping with basic guidance to ensure that any goats for which they are responsible remain healthy and happy.
The leaflet provides useful advice on the type of facilities you will need, along with where to find a pet goat and which breed to choose as well as information on common health problems and details of current legislation relating to goat keeping.
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Caring for your ferret
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A practical guide designed to help owners give the very best care for their pet ferrets. Covering the basics such as housing, feeding, health care and toilet training, the guide also offers advice on 'ferret-proofing' your home and garden, advice on games, and, very importantly, breeding, neutering and vaccination.
Ferrets are intelligent and curious animals that are growing in popularity as household pets. This popularity is reflected by ongoing research so keepers and vets should always seek to ensure that they have up to date advice on ferret care.
The BVA AWF produced Caring for your ferret in conjunction with the Ferret Education and Research Trust (FERT).
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What makes my pet happy?
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The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) produced What makes my Pet Happy? to assist pet owners meet the 'duty of care' requirements introduced by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
In addition to the traditional determinants of a pet's quality of life, or welfare, such as feeding, keeping living quarters clean and ensuring veterinary treatment when sick or injured, pet owners are now required to meet other possible less familiar aspects of their pet's welfare such as the ability to express normal behaviour.
This can be quite a complex area but the leaflet presents the concept of 'duty of care' in easily understandable terms using non-technical language.
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Taking your pets abroad
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*New rules about travelling with pets came into effect on January 1st 2012. We will be updating this leaflet shortly.
The BVA AWF produced Taking your pets abroad in conjunction with the Veterinary Advisory Group to the Association of British Insurers Pet Insurance Forum.
This is a helpful leaflet for pet owners describing the diseases that their animals may encounter in other countries.
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Pets and Poisons: keeping your animal safe
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This second edition Pets and Poisons : keeping your animals safe was produced in conjunction with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
The leaflet provides a valuable and easy reference guide for the general public on the dangers to their animals from harmful substances that can be found in and around the home.
For further information about the Veterinary Poisons Information Service please visit: www.vpisuk.co.uk .
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Bat Care Guidelines: A guide to bat care for rehabilitators
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The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) has produced Bat Care Guidelines in association with the BVA AWF, RSPCA and RCVS Trust.
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The guidelines are aimed at veterinary professionals, wildlife hospitals and new rehabilitators. The document is split into basic sections including 'health and safety', 'rescue and collection' and 'ailments and treatments' which aim to provide minimum guidelines for bat care.
If you are a vet and wish to obtain a copy of the guidelines, please contact Helen Miller at the BCT by email on: hmiller@bats.org.uk
For more information click here
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Feeding Garden Birds: Best practice guidelines
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The BVA AWF provided funding for the Garden Bird Health initiative (GBHi) based at the Department of Wildlife Epidemiology at the Institute of Zoology. Disease outbreaks occur quite commonly in garden birds and the research, started in March 2005, is aimed at investigating their causes and prevention.
The results of this study were used as a basis for the development of best practice guidelines on feeding garden birds which are now available for the general public.
To order your copy of this 32-page full colour booklet click here .
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