The PDSA has announced that it is offering free workshops to help veterinary professionals deliver new welfare checks called 'PetWise MOTs'.

The PetWise MOT checks focus on the five welfare needs, and the workshops count for seven hours CPD. The charity says that while the workshops are suitable for all members of the practice team, they should be of particular interest to nursing teams and those with a keen interest in engaging clients with the needs of their pets.

The aim of the MOT Checks is to improve pet wellbeing in the UK, following reports of a reduced level of awareness amongst the public of the five welfare needs defined by the Animal Welfare Acts.

Richard Casey, PDSA Pet Wellbeing Project Manager, said: "We know there is more to a pet’s wellbeing than just providing for their basic health needs. This unique consultation structure was developed in response to falling awareness among owners of their pets’ welfare needs, with millions of pets suffering unnecessarily. The PetWise MOTs use a simple traffic light system and personalised action plans to reverse this trend by helping to inform and engage owners about what their pets need to be healthy and happy."

The consultations were first trialled on the charity’s mobile PetCheck vehicles, then expanded to PDSA’s 51 pet hospitals. According to the charity, over 100,000 PetWise MOTs and follow up checks have now been completed in the last few years, with outcomes including:

• 45% reduction in the number of pets not having any of their welfare needs met (for example, 30% pets were assessed as ‘red’ for their health needs during their first PetWise MOT, but on the return checks this had reduced to 9%).
• 14% increase in the number of pets having all their needs fully met
• 40% increase in the uptake of preventive services within six months
• 28% of pets receiving a PetWise MOT went on to receive treatment for conditions that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
• 86% of clients found their PetWise MOT extremely beneficial
• 100% of clients feel every UK vet practice should offer this service.

Alison Case, a Senior Vet at Bow PDSA Pet Hospital, said: "PetWise MOTs give a really practical approach to running clinics based on the pet’s welfare needs. We’ve seen a positive impact on patient care by looking at husbandry at home as well as the clinical concerns of the patient. The consultations help to strengthen the clinic-client bond through professional support and advice. We’ve had great feedback from our clients, who are now much more aware of the routine needs of their pets and often attend for further check-ups as well as regularly purchasing preventive treatments."

The workshops will focus on dogs, cats and rabbits, although the consultations are transferable to all species.

For more information or to book a place, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petwise or email petwise@pdsa.org.uk.

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