Urban Squirrels' campaign for veterinary care for injured grey squirrels has been featured in Vet Record, the journal of the British Veterinary Association.
In an article published on 16 October 2026, entitled Vets can treat grey squirrels, says RCVS, journalist Josh Loeb reports on the difficulties faced by grey squirrel rescuers in obtaining veterinary treatment for animals in their care.
Grey squirrels are frequently refused treatment by veterinary practices, sometimes on the mistaken assumption that treating them is prohibited by law or professional regulations. For wildlife rescuers, this can mean considerable difficulty finding veterinary assistance, even for animals suffering from serious injuries.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has now clarified that there is no professional conduct restriction preventing veterinary surgeons from treating grey squirrels. Importantly, the RCVS has also confirmed that, although veterinary practices may choose not to provide routine treatment for grey squirrels, this does not remove individual veterinary surgeons' professional responsibilities concerning emergency first aid and pain relief.
For Urban Squirrels, this is an important clarification. Whatever one's views on the ecological status of grey squirrels, they are sentient animals capable of experiencing pain and suffering. Their legal classification should not be confused with a prohibition on providing veterinary care.We hope that the article will help dispel misunderstandings within the veterinary profession and encourage more practices to offer appropriate treatment to injured and sick grey squirrels.
Urban Squirrels will continue to advocate for compassionate, evidence-based treatment of grey squirrels and for their welfare to be taken seriously.