Who's who in your veterinary practice

The person you are most likely to see at your veterinary practice is the veterinary surgeon, or 'vet' for short. 

Vets have completed a veterinary degree course lasting five or six years and may have undertaken additional qualifications to increase their skills and knowledge. They are qualified to diagnose and treat animal illnesses and injuries, perform surgeries, give vaccinations, provide preventative care, and offer advice on animal health and behaviour.

The title 'veterinary surgeon' is protected by law, which means only vets who are registered with the RCVS can use it in the UK. Activities defined as 'veterinary surgery', including diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedures, can only be performed by a veterinary surgeon who is on the RCVS register by law, with some exceptions.

We set and maintain professional standards through the Code of Professional Conduct, which governs how vets care for patients and behave in practice. Vets are also required to keep their skills and knowledge up to date through Continued Professional Development (CPD). 

You can easily check if your vet is registered by using our Find a Vet service to search by name, location, or practice. 

Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are qualified professionals who support vets in providing essential care for your animal.  

RVNs are equipped to provide a high standard of nursing care, based on a solid understanding of your pet’s condition and individual needs. They can also provide advice on preventative health measures for your pet, such as dental care and nutrition, and support the management of ongoing conditions such as diabetes.

Only individuals who have completed an approved programme of study (lasting two to four years, depending on their chosen path), and passed the required assessments can apply to register with us and use the letters RVN after their name.

RVNs must adhere to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. They are also required to keep up to date with their skills and knowledge through continued professional development.

If you wish to confirm that a veterinary nurse is registered with us, you can use our Find a Vet service and select the 'nurse' option.

You might notice student vet nurses at your practice. These students may work part-time while studying at a local college to become a veterinary nurse. Alternatively, they might be carrying out a clinical placement as part of their veterinary nursing degree.

Student vet nurses can perform many of the same procedures as registered veterinary nurses, provided they are undertaking them as part of their studies. They must be closely and continuously monitored by a registered veterinary nurse or, if they are performing minor surgery, a veterinary surgeon. For other treatments, they can work under general supervision. The supervising veterinary surgeon will assess their abilities before giving them any responsibilities.

Most practices employ a range of non-clinical staff, including professional practice managers, receptionists, veterinary nursing assistants and kennel staff. While they don’t provide medical treatment, they play essential roles in keeping the practice running smoothly and helping you access the care your pet needs. 

Some non-clinical staff may have additional qualifications or training to support their work, whether it’s improving customer service or managing specific aspects of practice operations. 

If you are in any doubt as to who is speaking to you about your pet, always ask.