BVA - Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF)

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) supports the veterinary profession to use its unique position to drive improvements in animal welfare. The charity funds research, supports veterinary education, provides pet care advice, and encourages debate on key animal welfare issues.

Members of BVA set up AWF as an independent charity to work directly with the veterinary profession to improve the welfare of animals in the UK. As BVA’s charity AWF has a close working relationship with the Association, and BVA remain one of its key stakeholders and supporters.

Education and debate

Through the annual AWF Discussion Forum we inspire the profession to confront controversial welfare issues through open and honest debate. Past topics include the welfare of exotic animals, farm animals, designer dogs, and welfare at slaughter. Our free welfare talks give veterinary students the chance to learn more about welfare and prepare themselves for the issues they might face in practice.

Purchase AWF Discussion Forum tickets

Research grants

Funding scientific research to find practical solutions to animal welfare issues has been at the heart of AWF’s work since the beginning. Our research has resulted in the development of novel educational tools, led to breakthrough diagnostics, and the development of techniques to promote the uptake of veterinary advice. AWF’s student research grants provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their research skills and have a practical impact on welfare.

AWF funded research

Advice resources

We provide pet owners with free advice resources that have been written and approved by vets on a variety of topics including euthanasia, poisons, and exercise. We also create evidence-based guidance for veterinary professionals to support them in their work.

Guidance for vets

Puppy Contract:

AWF and RSPCA developed The Puppy Contract to encourage those buying and breeding puppies to do so responsibly. This free toolkit contains information provided by the breeder that buyers can use to make a decision on whether to buy the puppy they have seen.

Puppy Contract website

Support AWF:

Help us address the top welfare issues faced by animals today:

Corporate partnerships - let’s work together to tackle key animal welfare issues.

Help us raise funds - from cost-free giving, to running marathons - we have a way for you to support our work.

Donate - become a regular donor through our website.

Remember us in your will - leaving AWF a gift in your will is a powerful way to make sure your passion for animal welfare lives on.

Help further animal welfare by being part of BVA’s Animal Welfare Foundation

Have you got what it takes to play a key role in developing our education and research work, and make a real difference to the development of AWF’s strategic aims? We have a range of vacancies across our Board of Trustees and our committees, for veterinary professionals and others with an interest in animal welfare.

“This is an exciting time to join AWF with its new strategy and even closer working relationship with BVA. We have restructured how we operate, so as well as looking for new Trustees, we are opening our committees to enable more veterinary and welfare professionals to get meaningfully involved.” Julian Kupfer, current Chair of Trustees

Join our Trustee board

We're looking for people with the time and expertise to govern and direct the charity playing a key role in developing our strategy to meet our charitable aims including education and research work.

If you think you could contribute to AWF’s mission of placing animal welfare at the forefront of veterinary knowledge via research, education and debate, please apply below. We are looking for a Chair to lead the Trustee team, and a Treasurer with strong financial skills and experience. We would particularly welcome applications for Trustee roles from people who have a background in fundraising, media or communications.

You can apply via the application forms below before 18 February, and learn more further down this page.

Join an AWF Committee

We are looking for new members to join our Education and Grants committees. Joining a committee will allow you to have a pivotal role in the work of AWF. The Education committee plans and helps to deliver a range of educational initiatives, including the renowned annual Discussion Forum. The Research committee assesses and supports welfare research projects funded by AWF.