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What is the VCMS' Mediation Process?

Our mediation process works to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties and on agreeing to mediation both parties sign our legally binding document which outlines the process itself.

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  • September 4th 2024

    Preparing Your Pet for Their First Vet Visit: What to Expect and How to Make It Easier

    Taking your pet to the vet for the first time is an important milestone in their life. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your home, or you’ve adopted an older animal,…
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  • September 4th 2024

    Back-to-School Blues: How to Help Your Pets Adjust to New Routines

    As the summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, families are preparing for a return to structured routines. This transition can be exciting for parents and children, but it can be challenging for our…
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  • July 2nd 2024

    Preparing for the Upcoming CMA Market Investigation: A Guide for New Vets

    The veterinary industry is on the cusp of significant scrutiny as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) moves towards a formal market investigation. Triggered by an initial review that garnered over 56,000 responses from both…
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  • July 2nd 2024

    Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Pet Owner: Legal Obligations and Animal Welfare

    Owning a pet brings immense joy and companionship into our lives, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. As of June 10, 2024, new regulations emphasize the importance of adhering to specific legal obligations designed…
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  • July 1st 2024

    Veterinary Client Mediation Service Releases 2022-23 Insight Report Highlighting Increased Resolution Success

    The Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS) has published its annual Insight Report for 2023 sharing insight gathered from the highest number of mediations conducted to date. The VCMS, dedicated to supporting the relationship between veterinary…
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  • May 16th 2024

    Love at First Sight

    The VCMS undertakes mediation to seek resolution to disputes between pet/horse owners and their veterinary practice. When we choose our pet, we tend to fall in love with the dog, cat, bearded dragon that we…
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  • April 16th 2024

    How to Support Your Busy Veterinary Practice

    In recent times, veterinary practices across the UK have been experiencing unprecedented levels of demand for their services. A combination of factors, including a surge in pet ownership, staff shortages due to Brexit and the…
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  • April 16th 2024

    10 Top Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership

    Bringing a pet into your life can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. From providing proper care and nutrition, to ensuring their wellbeing and safety, being…
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  • March 14th 2024

    VCMS - CMA Response

    Following the Competition and Markets Authority’s announcement that they will be conducting an investigation into the veterinary sector, there has been media discussion and focus on animal owner and veterinary practice relationships.
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  • March 5th 2024

    5 Effective Strategies for Managing Complaints in Your Practice

    Addressing complaints is an inevitable aspect of veterinary practice. However, with the right strategies, complaints can be handled efficiently, preserving the practice's reputation and ensuring client satisfaction. To effectively navigate complaint management, veterinary teams should…
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  • February 7th 2024

    COVID-19's Impact on Puppies: Importance of Training and Socialisation

    The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many changes in our lives, and one of the more unexpected consequences is the behaviour of "pandemic puppies." A study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light…
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  • February 7th 2024

    Bringing Positive Mediation Behaviours into Everyday Life

    Mediation is a process designed to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts amicably, allowing parties involved to find mutually acceptable solutions. While mediation is often associated with formal dispute resolution, the principles and behaviours learned during…
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  • December 5th 2023

    Caring for Pets During Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Tips for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

    As the holiday season approaches, it's a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive decorations. While we enjoy these traditions, it's crucial not to forget about the furry members of our families – our beloved…
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  • December 5th 2023

    Navigating Grief: Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet

    The loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly painful and challenging experience. Our animal companions become cherished members of our families, and when they pass away, it can evoke a profound sense of…
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  • November 3rd 2023

    Keeping Your Pet Safe in Bonfire Night: Tips and Tricks

    Bonfire Night, with its dazzling fireworks and roaring bonfires, can be a joyous occasion for us humans, but it can be a frightening and stressful time for our furry friends. The loud noises and bright…
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  • November 3rd 2023

    Effective communication – It Takes Two – Diane Harvey

    With Strictly Come Dancing back in our living rooms, the phrase – it takes two to tango - could be applied to our verbal interaction choreography as well. Statistics from a recent survey, provided by…
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  • October 2nd 2023

    A Pet Safe Halloween

    Halloween is nearly here with its spooky fun, creative costumes, and delicious treats. While humans eagerly anticipate the festivities, our pets might not be as enthused. Between the continuous doorbell rings, unusual attire, and potential…
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  • October 2nd 2023

    World Animal Day 2023

    Wednesday the 4th of October is World Animal Day which aims to promote the rights of animals and to raise the standard of animal welfare across the world. To celebrate the day, we look at…
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  • September 12th 2023

    Veterinary Services Pricing Review

    On 7 September 2023 the Competitions and Markets Authority announced their review into the veterinary services market for household pets. The review asks owners of household or companion animals (i.e. dogs, cats and rabbits) and…
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  • September 6th 2023

    Fee Structuring and an Increase in Complaints

    Recently, the VCMS have noticed a rapidly growing trend of fee-based complaints. Linked to the current cost of living crisis, our teams have been in contact with pet owners who have been surprised by the…
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