Become a rabbit-friendly vet practice

Complete your application to be assessed for the Rabbit Friendly Vet Directory. You can save your progress and return at any time.

Step 1 of 19

Before you start

This application covers 16 modules
Supporting evidence is required for many sections
We recommend reviewing the guidance before beginning

Important information

You can save your progress by clicking save at the bottom of the form
You must log in at least once every 30 days to keep it active, otherwise, you will lose your progress
After saving, you will receive a link by email to continue your application
Your application is confidential and will not be shared outside RWAF

If you need support at any stage, our team is here to help with any queries.

Practice Details

Practice Name(Required)

Practice address(Required)

Street Town/City County/State/Region Postcode/Zip Country

Practice Rabbit Advocate (Name)(Required)

Practice Rabbit Advocate (Email)(Required)

Telephone(Required)

Website

Membership No.†(Required)

^†Please note you need to have an up-to-date Veterinary Practice membership to apply. We will not hold applications in anticipation of a practice taking out membership at some future date.

Note for sister branches/groups – We understand that vets move between local practices of the same group. There should be one (or more) of the nominated rabbit-friendly vets available every day at least one site. Subject to each site being a member and assessed as rabbit-friendly, they can all be listed.
(You must Inform us of any changes to the details above.)

Module 1: Client Communications and Rabbit Awareness Week

Q1.1: Does your practice carry out Rabbit Awareness Week activities?(Required)

Yes

Q1.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include a written account to support your answer

Q1.1: RAW - Supporting Evidence(Required)

Upload supporting images

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q1.2: Does the practice proactively work with or advertise in local pet shops?(Required)

Yes

Q1.3: Does the practice proactively work with or advertise in local Animal colleges, farm parks?(Required)

Yes

Q1.4: Does the practice proactively work with or advertise with local breeders or rescues?(Required)

Yes

Q1.5: Do you provide client education handouts for rabbit owners?(Required)

Yes

Q1.5: Supporting evidence(Required)

Send images of the following to support your answer:
• Rabbit education leaflets for owners
• Evidence of RWAF client newsletter being shared

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q1.5: Supporting evidence(Required)

Provide evidence of links to RWAF website from the practice website

Q1.6: Microchipping - Do you routinely promote and scan?(Required)

Yes

Q1.6: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include a written account to support your answer

Q1.6: Supporting evidence

Insert link to relevant page on your website

Module 2: Reception

Q2.1: Do you provide resources and tools for receptionists to allow effective on-phone triage of emergency cases, including signs of gut stasis?(Required)

Yes

Q2.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach supporting evidence

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q2.2: Do you provide tools and regular training for receptionists to allow effective on-phone triage of emergency cases?(Required)

Yes

Q2.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach SOPs and reception protocols

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q2.3: Do you provide training for receptionists to recognise signs of stress in rabbits brought to the clinic and advise owners where to sit/wait?(Required)

Yes

Q2.3: Supporting evidence(Required)

Reception protocols

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q2.4: Are any of your receptionists BVRA members, or receive reception specific external training/qualifications, (eg. VDS or human medical)?(Required)

Yes

Module 3: Rabbitude - stress reduction, rabbit-based polices and analgesia

Q3.1: Do you advise all clients to vaccinate regularly/annually?(Required)

Yes

Q3.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach Vaccination SOPs to support your answer

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Insert link to relevant page on your website

Q3.2: What vaccine regimes do you offer?(Required)

Check all that apply

Myxi + RHD 1 & 2

Yurvac

None

Q3.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach Vaccination SOPs

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Insert link to relevant page on your website

Q3.3: Do you advise all client to neuter their rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q3.3: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach SOPs

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.3: Supporting evidence(Required)

Insert link to relevant page on your website

Q3.4: Do you advise routine worming of rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q3.4: What protocol do you recommend and how frequently?

Treat on clinical need only for gut parasites. E cuniculi - prophylactic treatment when mixing (including returning from boarding)

Treat on clinical need only for gut parasites. E cuniculi - treat only post-testing IgG & IgM if clinical signs.

Q3.4: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include a written account to support your answer

Q3.4: Supporting evidence

Attach worming SOPs

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.4: Supporting evidence

Insert link to relevant page on your website

Q3.5: How do you diagnose E cuniculi infection?(Required)

Choose all that apply

Clinical signs with rule out of other causes

As above and Serological testing – IgG and IgM

As above and use of protein electrophoresis/acute phase proteins

Other

Q3.5: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include information to support your answer

Q3.6: How do you diagnose RHD-2 infection on post-mortem examination?(Required)

Choose all that apply

Post-mortem examination not done in-house

Liver histopathology and PCR

Other

Q3.6: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include information to support your answer

Q3.7: What do you advise for ectoparasite control?(Required)

Q3.8: Do you follow correct off-license prescribing consent procedures and Cascade labelling?(Required)

Yes

Q3.8: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include a written account to support your answer

Q3.8: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach examples of Cascade label and off-license consent forms

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.9: Do you practice antibiotic stewardship for rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q3.9: Supporting evidence(Required)

Preferably BSAVA Protect poster for rabbits

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.10: What steps are taken to avoid disease transmission between rabbit patients at your practice?(Required)

Q3.11: Do you use local anaesthesia as part of your neutering analgesia(Required)

Yes - splash blocks

Yes - incisional and splash

Yes - incisional and splash blocks, plus other techniques (please detail)

Q3.11: Supporting evidence(Required)

What other techniques do you use?

Q3.12: What stress reduction techniques do you use in the clinic for routine consultations?(Required)

Q3.12: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach example of Hospitalisation SOP and 2 x waiting room images close up of rabbit area and wide angle of waiting room

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.13: What is your SOP for post-neutering analgesia?(Required)

Q3.14: Approximately how many rabbit patients do you see per month?(Required)

Q3.15: How many rabbit cases do you refer onwards each year?(Required)

Please state if you are a referral clinic and so do not refer onward

Q3.16: At what age do you recommend surgical neutering of males?(Required)

Q3.17: At what age do you recommend surgical neutering of females?(Required)

Q3.18: Describe (and video if possible) your general handling approach for picking up(Required)

Q3.18: Describe your general handling approach for carrying(Required)

Q3.18: Describe your general handling approach for venipuncture(Required)

Q3.18: Supporting evidence

Include video if possible

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: mpg, mov, mp4, jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q3.19: Do you offer or refer to other clinics for alternative therapies?(Required)

Yes

Q3.19: Supporting evidence(Required)

Which clinics do you refer to?

Q3.19: Supporting evidence(Required)

What are the alternative therapies?

Module 4: Waiting Room

Q4.1: How are the Rabbit Advocates Advertised?

Tick all that apply

Waiting Room

Website

Not Advertised

Q4.2: Describe waiting areas for rabbits(Required)

Q4.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach image of floor plan (can be hand drawn) a wide angle image of the waiting area, and close up image of the waiting area.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q4.3: What other tools do you use to reduce stress for patients while waiting?(Required)

Q4.4: What materials do you provide in waiting areas for rabbit clients?(Required)

Module 5: Rabbit checks and consultations

Q5.1: Which clinics, for rabbits, does your practice carry out?(Required)

Check all that apply

New pet check

Pre-purchase advice

Geriatric rabbit clinics

Chronic pain clinic

New pet check method(Required)

In Clinic

Via Telemedicine

Pre-purchase advice method(Required)

In Clinic

Via Telemedicine

Geriatric rabbit clinics method(Required)

In Clinic

Via Telemedicine

Chronic pain clinic method(Required)

In Clinic

Via Telemedicine

Q5.2: Do you have prey-only consultation rooms?(Required)

Yes

Q5.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include any relevant information/statements to support your answer

Q5.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach your Practice layout (can be hand-drawn)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q5.3: Do you use pheromone therapies/essential oils in consultation rooms?(Required)

Yes

Q5.3: Supporting evidence(Required)

Attach images of this in the consultation room

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q5.4: In clinical examinations do you routinely check ear base for potential masses?(Required)

Yes

Q5.5: Is routine otoscopic dental examination performed at all routine checks?(Required)

Yes

Q5.6: Do you perform in-house intra-ocular pressure testing?(Required)

Yes

Module 6: Hospitalisation Policies

Please attach the following documents:

Admission Form(Required)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 2.

SOP for admission(Required)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 2.

SOP for hospitalisation(Required)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 2.

Q6.1: Do you carry a range of rabbit diets and recovery foods for hospitalised rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q6.2: Do you use any home made diet options?(Required)

Yes

Q6.3: Do you have fresh foods available for hospitalised rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q6.4: Are rabbit owners asked to bring in some of their pet’s normal diet when hospitalising?(Required)

Yes

Q6.5: What bedding and hides are available for hospitalised rabbits?(Required)

Q6.6: Do you encourage bonded companions to be admitted at the same time as the rabbit requiring treatment?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q6.7: If you do admit them, is there an extra charge for bringing in a companion?(Required)

Yes

Q6.8: If companion rabbits are separated what does the practice do with them?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Module 7: Wards

Q7.1: Do you have separate kennelling areas for rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q7.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include any relevant information/statements to support your answer

Q7.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Upload at least 2 images (wide angle and close up) or video of kennel area, and a floor plan (can be hand drawn)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q7.2: Do you have an area for outdoor foraging/grazing, and/or indoor runs and use of enrichment feeding?(Required)

Yes

Q7.3: What do you advise for stress reduction for rabbits coming to the clinic?(Required)

SOPs for reception

Module 8: Anaesthesia and Fluid Therapy

Q8.1: Do you advise fasting rabbits pre-operatively?(Required)

Yes

Q8.2: What is you post-operative feeding regime?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q8.3: What is your practice policy on the use of gut motility drugs as part of procedures performed under anaesthetic, and if you use these, which products do you use?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q8.4: What methods are used to keep rabbits normothermic during procedures, and what equipment is available for this purpose?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q8.5: Which anaesthetic drug protocols do you use?(Required)

Outline relevant SOPs, including source of regime with evidence of dose rates, and regular review dates. If licensed drugs not used, provide justification for this.

Q8.6: Is gas induction performed?(Required)

Yes

Q8.6: Supporting evidence(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q8.7: Is airway protection attempted and carried out routinely?(Required)

Yes

Q8.7 Supporting evidence(Required)

Include any relevant information/statements to support your answer

Q8.8: How are anaesthetics monitored?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q8.9: Are fluids provided through and following anaesthesia and at what rates for a standard neutering surgery?(Required)

Yes

Q8.9: At what rates are fluids provided?(Required)

Outline SOPs

Q8.10: What injectable anaesthetic agents are used, and at what doses and routes? If you use different regimes for different scenarios, please list all.

Agent 1(Required)

Route 1(Required)

Dose 1(Required)

mg/kg or ml/kg(Required)

Comments 1(Required)

Agent 2

Route 2

Dose 2

mg/kg or ml/kg

Comments 2

Agent 3

Route 3

Dose 3

mg/kg or ml/kg

Comments 3

Agent 4

Route 4

Dose 4

mg/kg or ml/kg

Comments 4

Q8.11: Which gaseous agents are used?(Required)

Q8.12: ET tube used or V-gel?(Required)

Q8.12: Which sizes stocked?(Required)

Q8.12: In which situations would either be used and why?(Required)

Q8.13: How and/or which anaesthetic monitoring devices (e.g. capnograph, Doppler, pulse oximeter, ECG or simply stethoscope and visual assessment of respiratory movements) do you routinely use during a rabbit anaesthetic?(Required)

Q8.14: Do you routinely place IV catheters in rabbits undergoing sedation or anaesthesia?(Required)

Yes

Q8.15: How are fluids provided through and following anaesthesia?(Required)

Module 9: Dentistry

Q9.1: Are incisors clipped or shortened using dental bur/disc?(Required)

Yes

Q9.2: Is incisor shortening performed using sedation/anaesthesia?(Required)

Yes

Q9.3: Are cheek tooth shortening or cheek tooth hook removal always done under anaesthesia or deep sedation?(Required)

Outline SOPs including if doing conscious evidence of an assessment

Q9.3: Confirmation(Required)

By checking this box you confirm the practice does not perform conscious cheek tooth dentals.

Q9.4: Do you carry out incisor extractions in rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q9.5: Do you carry out cheek tooth extractions in rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Refer

Other

Q9.5: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include any relevant information/statements to support your answer

Q9.6: Do you perform dental abscess surgery in-house including imaging and removal of affected teeth?(Required)

Yes

Refer

Other

Q9.6: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include any relevant information/statements to support your answer

Q9.7: Do you carry out cheek tooth pulpectomies in rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q9.8: What equipment do you use to shorten incisor teeth in rabbits and rodents?(Required)

Q9.9: What equipment do you use to shorten cheek teeth or remove molar hooks in rabbits and rodents?(Required)

Q9.10: Under what circumstances do you carry out cheek tooth extractions in rabbits?(Required)

Q9.11: Do you use gag and cheek dilators or table top device?(Required)

Yes

Q9.12: What do you use for lighting/magnification?(Required)

Module 10: Imaging

Q10.1: Do you routinely advise imaging of rabbits with dental disease and/or facial abscesses?

Yes

Q10.2: Do you routinely advise imaging of rabbits with ear based masses?

Yes

Q10.3: Do you have facility for horizontal beam radiography?

Yes

Q10.4: Do you have ultrasonography facility that is regularly used for rabbits?

Yes

Q10.5: Do you have access to a CT scan?(Required)

Tick all that apply

In house

Outpatient with CT only, imaging report sent to referring practice for continued patient care

Outpatient with full referral (Exam, other tests etc)

Outpatient mix CT only/sometimes full referral

No access

Q10.5: If you refer(Required)

Outline SOPs, please include CT outpatient practice detail, RWAF Rabbit Friendly? (If known)

Q10.6: Do you ever refer for MRI assessment?

Yes

Module 11: Surgery

Q11.1: Patient discharge:(Required)

Who does this?
Where is it done?
Do you provide post-op care sheets?

Q11.2: Is there post-op follow up?

Yes

Q11.2: Supporting evidence(Required)

Please attach post-op care sheets and evidence of telemedicine use

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q11.3: Approximately how many male rabbits do you neuter per month?(Required)

Q11.4: Approximately how many female rabbits do you neuter per month?(Required)

Q11.5: What suture material do you use in neutering, tying off blood vessels/pedicles, uterine stump, midline, and skin?(Required)

Module 12: Gastrointestinal stasis

Q12.1: Is there a protocol for vets to follow in order to facilitate recognition of obstruction from gut stasis(Required)

Yes

Q12.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Please attach a document showing relevant protocol

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q12.2: Is blood glucose and/or sodium offered in all cases?(Required)

Yes

Q12.3: Is abdominal imaging, preferably radiography, offered in all cases?(Required)

Yes

Q12.4: Can all cases be hospitalised and is this recommended?(Required)

Yes

Q12.5: If not hospitalised, is injectable analgesia given alongside fluids before discharge?(Required)

Yes

Q12.6: If not hospitalised, is there patient follow up(Required)

Yes

Q12.7: Can hospitalised rabbits be kept away from predators(Required)

Yes

Q12.8: Are lidocaine CRIs offered and used where obstruction is suspected?(Required)

Yes

Q12.9: Are prokinetic drugs routinely prescribed in cases of gut stasis?(Required)

Yes

Q12.10: Is pain scoring used alongside regular patient assessment?(Required)

Yes

Q12.11: Is rectal or aural temperature assessment performed in collapsed rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q12.12: Can gut obstruction surgery be performed in-house?(Required)

Yes

Q12.13: Do you audit your success rates for rabbits with gut stasis both medical and surgical?(Required)

Yes

Q12.13: Supporting evidence(Required)

Include any relevant information/statements to support your answer

Module 13: End-of-life and Palliative care

Q13.1: Please explain the euthanasia process for rabbits

Q13.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Please upload SOP

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q13.2: If placing an IV catheter, can owners be present if they wish?(Required)

Yes

Q13.3: Are end-of-life consultations typically conducted in a dedicated room?(Required)

Yes

Q13.4: Are owners offered the choice of having bonded companion rabbits present?(Required)

Yes

Q13.5: Are owners always offered the choice of being present during the euthanasia process?(Required)

Yes

Q13.6: Do you offer an at-home euthanasia service for rabbits?(Required)

Yes

Q13.7: Have your staff completed any animal Bereavement Support courses?(Required)

Yes

Q13.8: Is advice on rebonding or managing a bereaved companion rabbit proactively given?(Required)

Yes

Q13.9: Do you offer Quality of Life assessment training for owners?(Required)

Yes

Q13.10: How do you approach discussions of quality of life vs quantity of life? And how do you approach the case where owners wish to continue their pet’s life against your judgement?(Required)

Q13.11: What palliative care options do you give?(Required)

Q13.12: How often do you follow up with owners when assessing end of life timings? And can these be performed remotely?(Required)

Module 14: Out-of-hours care

Q14.1: What is your provision for out-of-hours emergency cases? How are clients advised about this?(Required)

Q14.1: Supporting evidence(Required)

Please supply any signposting from your website, training materials and clinical protocols

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q14.1: Supporting evidence

Insert link to relevant page on your website

Q14.2: What happens with your hospitalised cases at the end of the day?(Required)

Select one only:

Left at practice, which is not staffed

Left at practice manned by an external OOH provider, who DOES have access to your clinical records

Left at the practice and manned by external OOH staff who DO NOT have access to your clinical records

Left at practice manned by own staff

Taken home by staff

Moved to an external OOH provider (Please explain who transports the rabbits and whether they stay at OOH until discharge or are returned to your practice when it reopens)

Moved to a different branch of your practice. Please explain opposite, who transports the rabbits and whether they stay at OOH until discharge or are returned to your practice when it reopens

Q14.3: How are cases transported?(Required)

Module 15: Vet knowledge

Q15.1: Do you have named rabbit-friendly vets and who are they? Please add name and post nominals.(Required)

There should be at least two named rabbit-friendly vets if possible, please include post nominals. (In the case of practices with only 1 or 2 vets, one named vet is acceptable.)

Q15.2: What textbooks do you have available?(Required)

Q15.3: What journals are available for vets?(Required)

Q15.4: What electronic resources are available for vets?(Required)

Q15.5: What CPD covering rabbit medicine have named rabbit friendly vets been to in the past 2 years(Required)

Q15.5: Please upload CPD1 for named vets(Required)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, mpg, mov, mp4, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q15.6: Do any veterinary surgeons have, or are enrolled on, further qualifications in areas covering rabbit medicine, if so, what are they?(Required)

Module 16: Nurse knowledge

Q16.1: Do you have named rabbit friendly RVN’s and who are they?(Required)

Q16.2: What textbooks do you have available?(Required)

Q16.3: What journals are available for nurses?(Required)

Q16.4: What electronic resources are available for nurses?(Required)

Q16.5: What CPD covering rabbit medicine have rabbit friendly RVN’s been to in the past 2 years(Required)

Q16.5: Please upload CPD1 for RVN's(Required)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 6.

Q16.6: Do any veterinary nurses have, or are enrolled on, further qualifications in areas covering rabbit medicine, if so, what are they?(Required)

What areas of CPD for both vets and RVNs would you like covered in future?

Feedback

You are one of the first practices to submit this new application so we would love your honest feedback. What have you found good and bad about it?

If you can give us feedback on these areas specifically we would be grateful:
• How long did it take
• What do you think of the questions for each module
• Did you find the published standards useful in completing the application
• What do you think about the supporting evidence that was required?
• Do you have any hints and tips that might help other practices complete their application?
• Is there anything you would change?

We like to share good practice; please confirm you are happy for us to use redacted SOP’s provided within your application for good practice material?(Required)

Yes

Additional Notes:

Authorised by:(Required)

(This must be one of your Practice-nominated Rabbit Friendly Vets)