A black Labrador undergoing hydrotherapy on an underwater treadmill, supported by a therapist in a clinical setting.

Our policies

Our policies set out how we approach key animal health, welfare, and regulatory issues. They are rooted in our mission statement: “To enhance society through improved animal health and welfare by setting, upholding and advancing the educational, ethical and clinical standards of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses” - and are guided by our Strategic Plan.

Policies

VSA reform - time for change

The Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) 1966 is outdated and in urgent need of reform. The government is now consulting on potential reform of the VSA, including a number of recommendations we feel will help to protect animal health and welfare.

XL Bully dog ban

Following a rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the UK Government has recently added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in England and Wales.

'Under care' - guidance

Find our guidance on 'under care' and prescribing prescription-only veterinary medicines (POM-Vs), which came into effect on 1 September 2023.

Under care: practice scenarios - Professionals

Our Standards Committee and Advice team have produced a range of practice-based scenarios to help explain how the new guidance should be followed in various circumstances, and in relation to different species.

Controlled Drugs Guidance – A to Z

Find guidance in relation to the storage, supply, and prescribing of Controlled Drugs (CDs).

Common medicines pitfalls - FAQs

To help you navigate some of the more common medicines issues, we have produced a series of FAQs.

Routine veterinary practice and clinical veterinary research - FAQs

Routine veterinary practice (RVP) refers to procedures and techniques performed on animals by registered veterinary surgeons (or registered veterinary nurses under their direction) in the course of their professional duties, which ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to their care.

Advertising of practice names

Frequently asked questions about advertising practice names.

Veterinary Legislation Review

Between 2017 and 2020 our Legislation Working Party (LWP) undertook a wholescale, root-and-branch review of the legislation which governs the veterinary professions, as well as the role of the RCVS in interpreting and enforcing this legislation as the veterinary regulator.

Advice on Schedule 3

Under Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act, only registered veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses have the privilege to perform certain procedures in veterinary practice, as delegated to them by veterinary surgeon colleagues employed in the same practice.

Information for MPs

Are you an MP looking for information related to the veterinary sector?

Find out more