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Posted: 17th March 2026

BSAVA PetSavers to fund exotics education research
Research will ensure exotics health is taught to an appropriate and consistent standard.
It explores how exotics can be integrated into the vet curriculum.

BSAVA PetSavers has revealed that an exotics education research project is to receive its master’s degree by research grant.

The grant, joint funded with the Animal Welfare Foundation, will support a research that will attempt to integrate exotic animal medicine into the UK undergraduate veterinary curriculum.

The project, led by Dr Vicky Strong of the University of Nottingham, will focus on non-traditional companion animals (NTCA) such as rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles. BSAVA PetSavers says that, while ownership of NTCAs is becoming more common, many still experience poor health and welfare.

Dr Strong will seek to build a consensus and practical guidance for integrating exotic animal medicine better into the curriculum.

There will be a particular focus on teaching to an appropriate and consistent standard. It is hoped that the findings will provide clarity to veterinary students and employers on the knowledge that should be demonstrable after graduation.

The master’s degree research project is set to start in autumn.

Dr Strong, who will act as lead researcher in the project, said: “Vets play a crucial role in improving exotic pet welfare, but many lack confidence in this area. Within an already crowded undergraduate veterinary curriculum, our approach to teaching exotic animal medicine teaching needs to be strategic and focused.

“This grant will allow us to clearly define “day one readiness” in exotic animal medicine and create guidance that strengthens graduate confidence and ultimately improves the care and welfare of these species.”

Sarah Williams, the grants awarding and fundraising manager at BSAVA PetSavers, said: “This research has the potential to positively shape the future teaching of exotic veterinary medicine, and we’re delighted to support work that will make such a difference to improving the welfare of millions of NTCAs kept as pets.”

The next grant call for the master’s degree by research will open on 1 August 2026. More information about the research funded by BSAVA PetSavers can be found on the website.

Image © Shutterstock.com/ORION PRODUCTION



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