Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust

22/06/2026

😺 Introducing our Feline Blood Donor of the Year, Harriet! Harriet has made an incredible 12 blood donations through the RVC Blood Donor Programme, helping cats in their most critical moments.

One of Harriet’s donations helped Luca, a 2-year-old cat living with Haemophilia B – a rare condition that means his blood cannot clot properly. Luca was referred to the RVC with internal bleeding and dangerously low clotting factors, and urgently needed a blood transfusion to stabilise him.

Luca’s owner, Claire, shared her experience and the vital role donor cats like Harriet played in his recovery:

“I would like to say to the owner of Harriet that without them I would have lost my best friend. They helped save the most precious soul, who truly doesn't deserve to have had the hand he was dealt. Thanks to their kindness and open hearts I can spend many more years with him. There are no words to explain how truly grateful I am.

Luca is a lot better now, he has recently had his check up at the vets and they're happy with his progress.”

Thank you, Harriet, for your amazing contributions, and to all our donors who help save lives every day! Read Luca’s full story and learn more about our Blood Donor Programme here: rvcact.com/luca

18/06/2026

🐶 Meet our Canine Blood Donor of the Year, Anna! Since joining the RVC Blood Donor Programme, Anna has made an incredible 10 blood donations – helping to provide lifesaving treatment for dogs in need.

Her owners, Peter and Denise, have been long-time supporters of the programme and understand just how vital donations are. They shared:

"Our experience with the Blood Donor team has always been positive. The staff are very kind to Anna and we always feel welcome when we take her to a blood donor session. The team are her friends and ours.

To anyone considering signing their pet as a blood donor I would say go ahead. You will be made to feel very welcome and your pet will be excellently looked after.”

Thank you, Anna, for your amazing contributions, and to Peter and Denise for your continued support!

Find out more about our Blood Donor Programme here: rvcact.com/bloodservice

16/06/2026

Last week, we were delighted to host our Supporter Day – thank you to everyone who joined us!

Guests enjoyed guided tours across campus and heard directly from ACT scholarship students during a Q&A, where they shared their experiences of studying at the RVC and what inspired them to pursue veterinary careers.

The day was also a chance to celebrate the incredible impact of your support across research, education and clinical care, while bringing our community together to catch up with so many of our valued supporters.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events, you can subscribe to our mailing list here: rvcact.com/mailinglist

15/06/2026

🎉 Our Spring Raffle draw has now taken place!

Winner initials and tickets numbers are:
1st prize – B.L / 465
2nd prize – P.P / 0086376
3rd prize – S.W / 0175227
4th prize – R.H / 0177219
5th prize – M.D / 13335
6th Prize – B.S / C01956

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and supported our work caring for critically ill animals. Together, we’re helping to advance the future of veterinary care.

Congratulations to all our winners – we’ll be in touch very soon!

14/06/2026

🩸 Meet Anna and Harriet, our 2026 Blood Donors of the Year!

This , we’re proud to celebrate two incredible pets whose lifesaving donations are helping animals in need through the RVC Blood Donor Programme.

Our Canine Blood Donor of the Year is Anna, a gentle and laid-back greyhound. When she arrives for a session, she heads straight inside, hops onto the table, and looks up as if to say, “what are we waiting for?”

Our Feline Blood Donor of the Year is Harriet, a quiet and affectionate domestic shorthair. One of Harriet’s favourite quirks is hiding under vetbeds and popping her head out for a fuss – and while she may be reserved at home, she thrives in the calm, relaxed atmosphere of the donor centre.

Thank you, Anna and Harriet, for your inspiring contributions, and to all our incredible blood donor family. Your generosity helps ensure that life-saving blood is there when it’s needed most.

Read more about Anna and Harriet's story and how you can support the Blood Donor Programme here: rvcact.com/BDOTY26

09/06/2026

On , we’re celebrating our beautiful Memory Tree, which takes pride of place in the RVC Small Animal Referrals Hospital. This unique sculpture stands as a place to remember and celebrate the lives of beloved pets.

One leaf is dedicated to Mia, who was referred to the RVC where an MRI scan revealed a brain tumour. Thanks to expert care, Mia underwent surgery and made an incredible recovery, going on to enjoy five more happy years of life.

Every leaf on the Memory Tree helps fund life-saving equipment for the RVC’s hospitals, supporting the care of thousands of pets each year. Learn more about our Memory Tree and how you can dedicate a leaf here: rvcact.com/memorytree

07/06/2026

Colin is here to remind you today is your last chance to enter our Spring Raffle!

Win up to £1,000 while helping animals like him receive life-changing treatment at the RVC’s hospitals. Enter now: rvcact.com/raffle

04/06/2026

This , we're celebrating our wonderful volunteers, Linda and Helen. Each week, they generously give their time to support the Animal Care Trust team, helping with essential office tasks that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Their dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to help make a real difference to our work. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and commitment.

Thank you, Linda and Helen, for everything you do!

03/06/2026

When a dog suffers a stroke, the effects can be life-changing, causing long-term disability, yet the treatment options for canine stroke remain very limited. That’s why we’re proud to be funding an innovative new study at the RVC, led by Dr Claire Thornton, exploring a treatment that could transform how we care for dogs with brain injuries.

This study, which is the first of its kind in dogs, focuses on mitochondria transplantation – a cutting-edge approach already being trialled in human medicine. Using heritage canine cells, the team will investigate how brain cells respond to stroke-like conditions and whether healthy mitochondria can be successfully introduced to aid recovery before lasting damage occurs.

Thanks to your support, together we’re helping to drive forward new treatments that could improve outcomes for dogs, with potential benefits for other animals, and even human medicine in the future. Learn more about this research in the latest edition of Paws & Hooves: rvcact.com/PawsAndHoovesSpring2026

02/06/2026

🌟 We’re proud to celebrate Professor Christianne Glossop OBE, Chair of the RVC Animal Care Trust (ACT) - a remarkable leader whose career has spanned clinical practice, government service, and national veterinary leadership.

An RVC alumna who went on to complete her PhD, Christianne became Wales’ first Chief Veterinary Officer, serving for almost two decades and helping to shape animal health and welfare policy at the highest level.

As Chair of the ACT, she continues to make a lasting impact by supporting animal welfare initiatives, enhancing student opportunities, and advancing veterinary education across the RVC community.

We are delighted to see Christianne recognised for her achievements and grateful for the leadership, expertise, and dedication she brings to the ACT.

Veterinary Woman Role Model: Christianne Glossop 🌟

From studying at the RVC and going on to earn her PHD to spending nearly two decades as Wales' first Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne's career has been anything but conventional.

In her Role Model Profile, she walks us through the 'three halves' of her career and shares how mentoring made a real difference to her.

You can read the article here 🔗 https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2026/05/christianne-glossop/