Parkvets Footscray Hospital, which is part of the Parkvets group and IVC Evidensia network, was recently awarded with Gold Rabbit Friendly Status on the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) directory.

The RWAF aims to recognise the best care for Rabbits across the UK and the EU, and Footscray Hospital is one of only 20 practices in the UK to hold this prestigious award.

Having achieved the Silver Status approximately 7 months ago, the practice team continued to strive for higher standards and better care for their rabbit patients.
In September 2023, Dr Sam Mak, who is a keen member of the exotic unit, completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Exotic Animal Practice and the practice team decided that they were ready to apply for a Gold Status.

Along with only a handful of other practices, they will now be featured in the RWAF online directory and recommended as one of the best rabbit-friendly practices in the country.

This Gold Status Award is a highly recognised accolade that follows a rigorous assessment process conducted by the RWAF including their expert advisor. The judging criteria for the award includes, but is not limited to, the knowledge of the veterinary staff, rabbit-related policies and protocols, and practice environment and equipment.
Detailed submissions are also required on veterinary advice and care regarding different practice areas, including routine checks, husbandry advice, dentistry, anaesthesia and analgesia, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Features of the rabbit care unit at Footscray Hospital:

● Specialised staff CPD that featured handling, anatomy, and emergency & critical care
● Prominent exotics information in the ward and additional anaesthetic sheets
● 24hr hospitalisation for exotic patients and a separate exotics prey species ward
● Separate consult room with easier exit so patients don’t have to spend time with other species
● Specialised rabbit & rodent medication
● Rabbit-specific dental kits

Deborah Hayes, Practice Manager for Parkvets, commented:

“I’m so proud of the entire team for achieving this certification from the RWAF and making Footscray a nationally recognised centre for rabbit care and welfare.
“They have worked so hard in making sure that we can extend our utmost care to our exotics patients and I’m looking forward to seeing many more rabbits in practice!”
Parkvets own eight branches located across south-east London and north-west Kent and are part of the wider IVC Evidensia network of practices across the UK.

Launchpad for personal accreditation

While this Gold Status from the RWAF highlights Footscray Hospital as one of the best for rabbit care in the UK, two of the team believe it will be a launchpad for more personal accreditations and specialisms in the future.

Dr Sam Mak BVM&S PgC (EXaP) MRCVS, a Veterinary Surgeon at Footscray who is currently working towards becoming an Advanced Practitioner, commented,
“We are so pleased with this Gold Status from the RWAF, which is testament to our dedication in achieving the very best veterinary care for our rabbit patients.

I’m hoping this will provide a launchpad for further personal accolades amongst the wider team, so we can continue to grow and develop our knowledge and skills in exotic animal practice.”

Kiana McCabe RVN, BSc (Hons), APVN (AHM), is also working towards her final certificate that will complete a Diploma in Zoological Nursing (DipVNZS). She added:
“We’re so lucky to work at a practice that not only provides the best equipment and facilities, but also pushes us to be our best for our patients. The team have a huge number of relevant qualifications between them, and patients are always in good hands when they visit us.
“I can’t wait to see what we can achieve following this new Gold Status from the RWAF – hopefully a lot more happy and healthy rabbits at Footscray!”


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