Disability and Chronic Illness in veterinary work and education

The 'Disability and chronic illness in veterinary work and education' report presents the findings of research exploring the experiences of veterinary professionals and students living with a disability or chronic illness. It highlights barriers, workplace experiences and areas for improvement across the veterinary professions.

The research was commissioned by the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion workstream in collaboration with British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS). It reflects our strategic commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the veterinary professions.

Date Published:: 22 Jun 2026

Veterinary professionals

Who this report is for

This report is relevant to:

Vets and vet nurses
Veterinary practice owners and managers
Veterinary students, student veterinary nurses and early career professionals
Educators and training providers
HR and workforce leads

What the report covers

The findings include:

Experiences of disability and chronic illness in veterinary workplaces
Barriers to recruitment, retention and career progression
Workplace culture and disclosure of health conditions
Access to adjustments and support mechanisms
Recommendations for improving inclusion and accessibility

Why this matters

Understanding the experiences of people with a disability or chronic illness is essential to supporting a more inclusive profession where everyone can thrive.

The findings help inform better workplace practices, policy development and support systems across the sector.

Key themes

Disclosure and stigma in the workplace
Access to reasonable adjustments
Impact on wellbeing and career progression
Variability in workplace support and understanding
The importance of inclusive workplace culture

About this report

This report was developed as part of the RCVS commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion across the veterinary professions. It provides evidence to support ongoing work to reduce barriers and improve access and retention.