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The two functions of insurance and benevolence separated into two distinct organisations in 1978 - the VDS and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, now known as Vetlife. The association continues to this day, with VDS members being encouraged to make voluntary donations to our core charities, Vetlife ↗ or the Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund (IVBF) ↗.
In 2025, the VDS donated £160,000 to Vetlife and €23,000 to the IVBF.
These charities were chosen in recognition of the very valuable work that they carry out; offering support to anyone in need in the veterinary community - including a free 24/7 confidential listening and support service, financial assistance and health support. Their work is vital, and the VDS is very pleased to support it wholeheartedly. Find out more: Vetlife ↗ I Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund (IVBF) ↗ In addition to donations to our core charities, the VDS Charity Group also organises events to support charities in the veterinary professions and the wider community.
“The VDS Charity group extends the fundraising efforts of the Society to support other worthy causes and provides a shared mission for teams to come together, participate in activities and have fun in the process. I am extremely proud to work at the VDS where charity is given such importance.” – Emma Callaghan, Veterinary Risk Manager
Our annual charity for 2025 is Variety, the Children’s Charity ↗, which provides practical support that makes an immediate difference to disabled and disadvantaged children. This year, via a company-wide challenge we donated £1 for every kilometre covered walking, running, cycling, sailing, horse riding or hiking, and raised £4,500. Find out more: Variety, the Children’s Charity ↗
Left: VDS and Vetlife colleagues prepare to zipline across Twickenham stadium. Right: Colleagues from the VDS on the Gritstone Trail.
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