Practice Standards Scheme

Pets are often treated as members of the family and owners rightly want to be sure they receive excellent medical treatment. Horse owners and farmers also want to ensure their animals are receiving the best possible veterinary care. But how can you be sure?

The regulatory function of the RCVS has always meant that users of veterinary services could be assured that their veterinary surgeon was properly qualified and fit to practise.

Now, for the first time, the RCVS can offer reassurance that those practice premises which it accredits as part of the Practice Standards Scheme also meet stringent standards.

What is the Practice Standards Scheme?

The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK.  Through setting standards and carrying out regular inspections, the Scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care.

It offers peace of mind to clients of accredited practices and more informed choice to the animal-owning public.

To become accredited, practices volunteer for rigorous inspection every four years and will have met a range of minimum standards including hygiene, 24-hour emergency cover, staff training, certain types of equipment and cost estimation procedures. They may also be subject to spot-checks between inspections.

Look for the logo

For peace of mind, people should look for the RCVS accredited practice logo, which indicates that the practice has passed an independent inspection. This means high standards of care for pets and peace of mind for pet owners.

To check if a practice is accredited, or find one that is use our Find a Vet service.

Read more about it

More information about the PSS, including full details for veterinary practices, is available via the following links:

Read about the launch of the Scheme

Information for veterinary practices

List of current inspectors (PDF 98Kb)