Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) sets professional standards and regulatory frameworks that shape the wider petcare ecosystem in the UK. Pet Gazette’s coverage of the RCVS focuses on policy announcements, practice standards, reforms to veterinary education and registration, and rulings that may impact retailers — especially where guidance intersects with the sale of health-related products, veterinary medicines, or advice provision. We also report on how RCVS developments influence the role of veterinary professionals in product recommendation and customer referral, offering insight for pet shops, distributors, and brand suppliers navigating this regulated space.
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Apr- 2020 -1 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: RCVS announces changes to renewal fee payments
The RCVS has announced new measures to enable the cost of annual renewal fees to be spread out over the course of the year in light of the continuing pandemic. The measures were agreed by its council, and will allow UK members to not pay their full renewal fee in…
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Mar- 2020 -31 MarchCoronavirus
Covid-19: RCVS reduces CPD requirements
The RCVS will reduce the annual requirement of hours of continuing professional development (CPD) that vets are expected to undertake by 25% due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The annual minimum requirement for veterinary surgeons will be reduced from 35 to 26 hours of CPD, while veterinary nurse hours will…
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30 MarchCoronavirus
BSAVA launches triage tool
The BSAVA has launched a free triage tool designed to help vets in small animal practices identify and process emergency canine and feline cases during the Covid-19 pandemic. The tool provides users with a downloadable and printable guide chart that has been created by a number of veterinary specialists. The…
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26 MarchCoronavirus
Government and NHS urge vets to donate ventilators
The NHS has asked veterinary surgeons across the country to donate animal ventilators to help tackle the anticipated shortage of the equipment as the pandemic continues. The BBC estimates that there are currently between 300 and 400 animal ventilators in circulation, and that some of these would be suitable for…
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24 MarchVeterinary
RCVS and BVA release joint statement following PM address
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have released a joint statement following last night’s briefing from the Prime Minister. Following the news that the public are required to stay at home, while non-essential shops and community spaces are closed, both leading bodies urged for…
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23 MarchVeterinary
RCVS and BVA issue ‘key worker’ guidance for veterinary profession
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have issued a joint statement following the government’s guidance on key workers. The statement is intended to help those in the veterinary profession “interpret the guidance” released on 19 March about who qualifies as key workers in relation…
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18 MarchVeterinary
BVA issues updated Covid-19 guidance for vets
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued new guidance for the veterinary profession amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The association said that every practice should now be carrying out individual risk assessments, and consider whether it is “appropriate” to continue with routine consultations. According to new guidelines, practices should also practice…
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17 MarchVeterinary
RCVS suspends EMS requirements amid outbreak
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) council will “temporarily suspend” requirements for veterinary students and degree programmes regarding extra-mural studies (EMS) amid the coronavirus outbreak. Students would typically be required to complete a minimum of 38 weeks of EMS through their degree programme to gain real-life work experience and…
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12 MarchVeterinary
RCVS council elects new vice president
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) council announced it has elected Dr Christopher Sturgess to be junior vice president of the college for 2020-21. Sturgess has served on council as an elected member since 2013. He is currently the chair of the RCVS finances and resources committee, and has…
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4 MarchVeterinary
IVC Evidensia appoints new chair of equine clinical board
Veterinary care provider IVC Evidensia has announced the appointment of Richard Stephenson as its new chair of the equine clinical board. Stephenson, former clinical director of Pool House Equine Clinic succeeds Graham Hunter to the position. Hunter is handing the reins over so he can concentrate on his group veterinary…
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