The recent CMA investigation into Veterinary services for pets has put a spotlight on the profession and has raised questions, including: Are Veterinary Practices are regulated? The short answer is no, there is no mandatory regulation in the UK for Veterinary Practices. However, the answer isn’t quite as straightforward as that.

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As with most businesses and professions there are legalities that need to be followed. Veterinary practice premises (VPPs) must be registered with the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) and all Vets and Vet Nurses must be registered with the professions’ regulator, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Furthermore, around 65-70 % of Veterinary practices have chosen to be accredited by the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) which is a sort of voluntary regulation. Mandatory regulation is something that many veterinary professionals and associations would like to see

What do the VMD do?

The VMD is an agency of the government department DEFRA. They carry out inspections to make sure that the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMRs) are being followed. These regulations include the storage, supply/prescribing, disposal, recording and advertising of medications. You may have wondered why the vet needs to see your pet before prescribing a medication or will only prescribe a medication for so many weeks or months before a recheck is needed. It’s because your vet is following the regulations (and/or the code of professional conduct mentioned below)

Who are the RCVS?

The RCVS regulates the veterinary profession, they maintain the legal register of Vets and Veterinary Nurses and ensures that those registered work in accordance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

They also regulate education and they can award further qualifications to Vets and nurses. 

Although all Vets must be registered, the job title veterinary nurse is not protected. However, if your vet nurse is registered (RVN), they have undergone formal education and examination to work in this role. In order to stay on the register Vets and Nurses must complete the required amount of continuing professional development (CPD), so you can be assured that your practice team is up to date with their knowledge. The RCVS can also carry out inspections on behalf of the VMD for practices who are members of the PSS.

What is the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme?

The RCVS PSS is a voluntary scheme. Practices have chosen to put themselves under scrutiny and be assessed and accredited by the RCVS. This shows that the practice is committed to providing high levels of care. There are 19 modules/areas covered, some of these include; infection control, anaesthesia, surgery and inpatients. You may be surprised that areas such as the practice team, premises and environmental sustainability are also included in the assessment. As well as a four yearly assessment which includes an inspection, spot checks may be carried out. As with many regulatory bodies the PSS doesn’t control or regulate costs. But another area assessed is the client experience and this involves that clients are kept informed about fees. 

Are there other regulations, schemes or programmes?

There are other voluntary schemes which your practice may be members of. 

One of the most well known is the global programme Cat Friendly Clinic. As the name suggests this is a set of guidelines specific to cats, practices agree to follow these guidelines to enhance the standard of cat care. The premises, hospitalisation of cats, equipment, diagnostic and laboratory facilities, staff training and cat handling are just some of the areas assessed. Practices are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold standard accreditation following a review of evidence provided.

Your practice can also choose to register as a Dog Friendly Clinic or Rabbit friendly clinic with each scheme having a focus on dogs or rabbits respectively

On a final note…

Gaining PSS accreditation is a lot of work for a Veterinary Practice to undertake. Before an assessor even visits to inspect the practice many documents are provided as evidence that certain procedures and protocols are being followed. If your practice is small or are one of the many practices struggling with recruitment, they mightn’t have had the time or manpower to start the accreditation process. 

Also, the RCVS states that all practices in the UK have a legal requirement to meet the core standard level of accreditation even if they are not an accredited practice. This is because they must follow the guidelines set out in the code of professional conduct. So, if your practice isn’t accredited but you are pleased with the care your pet receives don’t panic. If your practice isn’t a cat friendly, dog friendly or rabbit friendly practice this doesn’t mean they are any less friendly, capable or qualified.

Practices that are members of the PSS are usually very proud of this achievement. And they will display the accredited practice badge to advertise this. If you can’t see any certificates displayed or other signs of scheme membership you could ask if it’s something they are considering or are already working towards.