BSAVA PetSavers Fundraising Round Up
12 August 2025
PetSavers is the clinical research arm of the BSAVA. We have been funding clinical research into companion animal diseases for 50 years and were the first UK charity set up to focus exclusively on supporting clinical research into pet diseases. Our mission is to give vets and nurses the knowledge they need to counter the distress and pain caused by the diseases and health conditions that affect our pets.
The past 12 months have been a busy time for PetSavers. In September last year, BSAVA staff, volunteers and supporters came together for a presentation to mark the 50th anniversary of PetSavers. Fundraising and Grants Manager Sarah Williams spoke about our history and the interesting and vital clinical research projects that have been funded through the years. Our new Fundraising Co-ordinator Lucy Rathbone joined the team at this time to assist Sarah and Fundraising Manager Allie Selby.
(L-R) BSAVA PetSavers Fundraising Manager Allie Selby, Fundraising and Grant Awards Manager, Sarah Williams and Fundraising Co-ordinator, Lucy Rathbone
Allie says “We are proud of the impact our researchers deliver for veterinary professionals and the small animals in their care. But the wider picture of funding for veterinary research is stark. BSAVA PetSavers is one of the few charities exclusively funding research into the health of companion animals. That means there is considerable demand for our grants.”
Let’s take a look at the fundraising income we have benefitted from this year.
Trusts and foundations
In October 2024, we were extremely grateful to receive a grant of £3,200 from the Mrs D M France-Hayhurst Foundation to fund a student research project. This money has been allocated to support a project being undertaken at the RVC entitled ‘CD44 expression in feline cholangiocarcinoma: A potential therapeutic target?’ We also received a grant from the Renishaw Charities Committee of £500.
We successfully applied to participate for the first time in The Big Give’s Christmas fundraising campaign. This match-funded initiative relied on the generosity of our pledgers SAMSoc and the Reed Foundation, whose initial support enabled donations from the public to be doubled in size at no extra cost to our supporters. Thanks to them and all our public donors, we raised £5,800 in donations.
There is a continuing opportunity for you to help us receive a donation of £1000 from the Benefact Group Movement for Good Awards. Visit their website at https://movementforgood.com/#nominateACharity and nominate ‘BSAVA PetSavers’ with our charity number 1024811 to enter us into their regular draws. The more nominations, the better our chances!
Legacy giving
In September 2024, PetSavers took part in the national Remember A Charity Week campaign. This was an opportunity for everyone to take a moment to consider leaving a gift to charity in their Will, after looking after family and friends.
Otherwise known as ‘legacy giving’, this is a crucial form of funding for PetSavers as it allows us to plan for the future and continue to fund vital clinical research into companion animal diseases. Gifts in Wills have played a significant part in our 50-year history and every gift, large or small, makes a huge difference to what we can achieve. This year alone, we have already received £75,000 from gifts in Wills. To find out more about leaving us a legacy, visit www.bsava.com/petsavers/legacies.
Corporate partnerships
PetSavers is uniquely placed to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses. In recent months we have had the pleasure of partnering with Raman Pharma, PG Mutual, Breathe HR and Nationwide Laboratories. There are a whole host of ways to get involved that are not limited to financial donations. For example, we were delighted to have our annual awards sponsored at BSAVA Congress 2025. The PetSavers Annual Research Award was sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and the Clinical Research Abstract Award by Raman Pharma.
Corporate partners can also set up a cause-related marketing campaign, make a gift in kind, encourage employees to donate through payroll giving and establish Charity of the Year partnerships. More information can be found in our downloadable corporate brochure available on our website: https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/support-us/corporate-partners
“As a practice we have been proud to support BSAVA PetSavers to a number of years. The charity supports research that has a direct benefit to our patients,” Jonathan Hart, Clinical Director, Atherton Veterinary Centre
Individual fundraising events
We have been extremely grateful to our supporters who have taken the time and effort to fundraise for us. Every penny raised enables PetSavers to fund more vital research into the health of pets.
In March, student Sam Ruddick bravely took part in a mixed martial arts tournament in Manchester and raised £390.
Our PetSavers Management Committee Chair, Rosie with her husband David Godfrey and friend Victoria Darke walked a marathon length of the Thames path in April raising an incredible £2200 in total. Rosie intrepidly undertakes a Chair’s Challenge every year and is already planning her 2026 challenge to involve the BSAVA Regions.
A team of six from the Cambridge Cat Clinic took part in an Ultra Challenge in May. They walked 100 kilometres around the circumference of the Isle of Wight in 2 days and organised various prize-winning events at their clinic! Their team captain Hollie reflected on the experience:
“We went into this challenge with lots of support from friends, family and our clients from the Cat Clinic. This stood us in good stead to keep walking despite the injuries and fatigue, especially on day 2. In the end, three of our members completed the full challenge and three completed the half challenge – a total of 481km between us (299 miles – the equivalent of 11 and a half marathons!) All the team are really proud of our achievement and delighted to have raised some money for a fantastic cause, close to our hearts.”
Thank you to Hollie and her colleagues for raising the phenomenal amount of £2770 for PetSavers!
At the end of May, the retiring BSAVA President Julian Hoad took part in an exhilarating wing walk with Aerosuperbatics in Gloucestershire. Members of his family and staff from the BSAVA office were there to cheer him on as he took to the skies wearing his Cheshire Cat onesie. Thanks to Julian for raising the magnificent amount of £1460.
BSAVA regional and student fundraising
We have also been kindly supported by our regional and student representatives and BSAVA affiliate groups through fundraising raffles and quizzes. Special mention must go to Aimee Cosgrove, student representative at the SRUC in Aberdeen, who organised a fabulous pub quiz and successfully raised £240 for PetSavers.
You too can have one of your very own bright orange PetSavers challenge T-shirts! If you would like to take part in a challenge or organise your own event to raise money for us, visit our website for ideas and information on how we can support you to achieve your fundraising goals: https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/support-us/fundraise. We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and are committed to complying with its Fundraising Promise.
Thank you!
We are very proud to be supported by a community of valued donors, volunteers and partners. Without their time commitment and financial contributions, we would not be able to fund so much impactful clinical research. Combined with a strengthened staff team, we are on a sound footing to move forward and grow into the next 50 years.
However, for every project PetSavers funds, at least two more are declined due to lack of funds. Please consider supporting us, however you are able: https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/donate
