For Vets
We ship to the UK only
Rabbit Health and Welfare Forum 2026 ( Non-Clinical stream)
£80.57
Birmingham Events and Conference Centre
13th June 9am – 5pm
Join the UK’s Premier Rabbit Forum! 13 June 2026, Birmingham. Two streams, expert speakers, CPD & welfare insights. Book now!
After a long-awaited return, the first organisation to bring rabbit-specific CPD to the UK is thrilled to announce a revitalised conference format, packed with energy, impact, and exceptional value.
- Two Dedicated Streams:
✨ Clinical Staff — Cutting-edge CPD for veterinary professionals
✨ Rabbit Caregivers — Expert-led sessions to deepen your knowledge - What’s New This Year?
✅ 9 punchy, to-the-point lectures
✅ 3 interactive Q&A sessions so you can get out of the day what you need
✅ Fully catered with delicious food and refreshments
✅ Exceptional value without compromising quality
✅ World-class speakers
This isn’t just another conference, it’s the UK’s leading rabbit-focused event, designed to give you knowledge, confidence, and community. This is for the Non Clinical Stream.
- For rabbit owners, caregivers, guardians and anyone working with rabbits:
- Gain cutting-edge CPD from leading experts.
- Network with like-minded people and build valuable connections.
- Discover expert tips and insights.
- Get answers to your most pressing questions during interactive Q&A sessions.
- Enjoy a dynamic, revitalised format with short, impactful lectures and plenty of interaction.
- Benefit from exceptional value, a full day of world-class education at an accessible price.
- Be part of a passionate community driving better rabbit welfare across the UK.
Discounted tickets for RWA&F members.
Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund members get a discount, please make sure you select the correct ticket type.
Members must have a current membership at the time of the event.
08:30 - 09:00
Registration
09:00 - 09:30
Welcome by our chair Dr Emma Milne FRCVS and RWA&F update
Rae Walters
Welcome and RWAF update. A run down of the day and an update on the welfare issues that RWAF is working on.
09:30 - 10:00
Emergency Alert: Spotting Rabbit Crises Early
Dr Sonya Miles BVSc CertAVP(ZM), CertAqV, MRCVS
How to spot an emergency that needs immediate vet appointment. What to take to the vets, what tests to expect, blood glucouse scores and what they mean. Rabbits are prey animals and often hide signs of illness until they are very unwell. Being able to recognise when your rabbit is in crisis can make the difference between life and death. This talk will teach owners how to spot early warning signs of serious health problems and when to seek immediate veterinary attention. We will cover common emergency scenarios, including sudden loss of appetite, changes in droppings, breathing difficulties, collapse, and obvious pain behaviours. Owners will learn which signs can wait for a routine appointment and which mean a same-day or out-of-hours vet visit is essential. Practical advice will be given on what to take to the vet, including a sample of droppings, a list of foods eaten, and details of any recent changes in behaviour or environment. We will explain what to expect when you arrive at the
10:00 - 10:30
Emerging Diseases and Vaccines: What Rabbit Caregivers Need to Know
Richard Saunders BVSc DZooMed FRCVS
Rabbit health is constantly evolving, and new diseases can pose serious risks to pet rabbits. This session will bring you the latest with the RVHD2 HV strain and explain why vaccination is essential, and how else caregivers can protect their rabbits from this disease. We’ll cover current vaccines available in the UK, how they work, and practical advice on scheduling and aftercare. Attendees will leave with confidence in making informed decisions about disease prevention. Learning outcomes from this session will include raised awareness of emerging diseases that threaten rabbit health. Understanding how vaccines work and why they are critical for prevention. Understanding why it is vital to report vaccine failures. Learn which vaccines are recommended and how often they should be given and lastly gaining practical tips on preparing rabbits for vaccination and monitoring after treatment.
10:30 - 11:00
Q&A for first three sessions chaired by Dr Emma Milne FRCVS
Your chance to ask the panel questions relating to the previous three sessions.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee break
Grab a coffee, have a chat and look at the trade stands.
11:30 - 12:00
Understanding Rabbit Relationships: Context Matters
Rae Walters
What does science tell us about the importance of rabbit to rabbit companionship? Why is bonding so contentious? What do we really know about bonding? What matters, what doesn't, where do you start and who do you believe? Should we be focussing on contextualised bonding and not one size fits all?
12:00 - 12:30
From Sprightly to Senior: Spotting and Supporting Ageing Rabbits
Madonna Livingstone BVMS MRCVS
Rabbits are prey species and have evolved to lie to us, pretending they are absolutely fine until they feel so poorly that it overwhelms their ability to hide it. Subtle changes in their behaviour and coat grooming habits can have massive implications. Join us for a whistle stop tour of things to look out for, things you can adjust, and how you can advocate for your beloved rabbits!
12:30 - 13:00
EC Update: Understanding and managing this common parasite
Richard Saunders BVSc DZooMed FRCVS
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC) is one of the most common and misunderstood conditions in rabbits. This lecture provides an up-to-date overview of EC, including how it spreads, how to diaganose it, and what treatment and long-term care involve. We’ll also discuss how caregivers can support affected rabbits at home and reduce the risk of transmission. By the end of the session, attendees will have a clear, practical understanding of EC and how to manage it effectively. This session will help you to understand what EC is and how it affects rabbits, how to recognise the clinical signs and when to seek veterinary help, to understand that not all head tilts are EC and how to get a diagnosis, and to understand treatment options and what you can do at home to support recovery.
13:00 - 13:30
Q&A of previous three sessions chaired By Dr Emma Milne FRCVS
Your chance to ask questions from the previous sessions.
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch break
Time to grab some lunch and browse the trade stands.
14:30 - 15:00
Silent Signals: Spotting Pain in Rabbits
Dr Sonya Miles BVSc CertAVP(ZM), CertAqV, MRCVS
Rabbits are experts at hiding pain, which often means problems go unnoticed until severe. This session will teach you to recognise both subtle and obvious signs of discomfort so you can act early. We’ll cover changes in posture, appetite, droppings, grooming, and behaviour, plus small clues like hunching, tooth grinding, squinting, or isolation. More obvious signs like reluctance to move, loud teeth grinding, or aggression will also be explained. Practical advice includes how to check your rabbit safely, when to call the vet, and why human painkillers are never safe. By the end, you will feel confident spotting pain early and working with your vet to keep rabbits comfortable and healthy.
15:00 - 15:30
Rabbit First Aid: What to Do Before You Reach the Vet
Dr Jenna Richardson (BVM&S Dip ECZM (Small Mammal) FHEA
Emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference. This session will equip rabbit caregivers with practical, evidence-based first aid techniques to stabilise rabbits before they reach the clinic. We’ll cover common scenarios such as trauma, heat stress, gastrointestinal stasis, and respiratory distress, focusing on safe handling, essential interventions, and what not to do. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to reduce risk and improve outcomes during those vital pre-vet minutes.
15:30 - 16:00
Rabbit-Friendly 101: What It Means & Why It Matters
John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVSMed FRCVS
Rabbit friendly practices are veterinary clinics that meet specific standards designed to reduce stress and improve care for rabbits. These practices understand the unique needs of rabbits and have been independently assessed by RWA&F. Rabbits are prey animals, and stress can have serious health consequences. A rabbit friendly practice prioritises their wellbeing at every stage of treatment, giving you peace of mind and your rabbits the best care.
16:00 - 16:30
Pasteurella Explained: Treatment and Care at Home
Dr Jenna Richardson (BVM&S Dip ECZM (Small Mammal) FHEVS
Pasteurella is one of the most common bacterial infections in rabbits, yet its management can be challenging for both owners and clinicians. This lecture demystifies Pasteurella by exploring its causes, clinical signs, and treatment options. We’ll discuss how to support rabbits at home during and after veterinary care, including medication administration, environmental adjustments, and stress reduction strategies. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to combine clinical treatment with effective home care to improve recovery and long-term wellbeing.
16:30 - 17:00
Q&A for previous four sessions chaired by Dr Emma Milne FRCVS
Your chance to ask the panel questions relating to the previous three sessions.
17:00 - 17:00
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