A vet giving hau to black and white cows

What we do

Since 1844, we have carried out our role in regulating, supporting, and advancing veterinary practice in the UK.

We do this by setting professional standards, overseeing veterinary education, and protecting both public and animal welfare through effective regulation of the veterinary profession.

On this page, you can learn more about how we carry out this work.

On this page

Regulating the professions

Registration

Only RCVS-registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses can practise in the UK. Learn how to join the Register, r...

Conduct and guidance

Advice and guidance for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and the public.

A veterinary professional with a clipboard looking at a cupboard of medicines

Practice Standards Scheme

The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme promotes high-quality, continuously improving veterinary care.

Concerns about veterinary professionals

Find out how to raise a concern about a vet or vet nurse, what happens if a concern is raised about you, and how the RCV...

Supporting professionals and the public

An owner holds a small brown dog while a veterinary professional examines it. brown dog during a consultation

Animal owners

Owning a pet or any animal can raise lots of questions. We offer practical advice, guidance and support so you can make ...

RCVS Chief Executive Officer Lizzie Lockett

Mind Matters Initiative (MMI)

The Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is funded and run by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). It aims to addre...

Female woman in veterinary clothing standing in a modern living room, looking at her smartphone.

Workforce Project

With the publication of our Workforce Modelling Report in December 2024, join us as we revisit the seven ambitions of ou...

Overseeing training and careers

Two vets wearing personal protective equipment looking at a computer screen.

Accrediting qualifications

We regulate veterinary education in the UK, equipping students with the skills to become veterinary professionals.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Whether you're a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse, find everything you need to plan, record and reflect on your CP...

Student vet looking through a microscope

Students and careers

Information for undergraduate, current and graduate students. Everything you'll need, from extra-mural studies (EMS) adv...

Two farm vets looking at a clipboard in a barn

Learning and development

Explore learning and development opportunities to enhance your veterinary career.

Feedback on our service

We aim to provide a high-quality, accessible, and responsive service. If you feel we haven’t met this standard, we welcome your feedback so we can learn and improve.

Visit our feedback page.

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Our research

Our research drives improvements in veterinary care, advances animal welfare, and supports the highest professional standards - benefiting both animals and their owners.

Explore our research

RCVS Knowledge

We work closely with RCVS Knowledge, our independent charity partner. RCVS Knowledge supports veterinary teams with evidence-based resources, tools, and learning, and preserves the history of the professions through the RCVS archive.

Discover RCVS Knowledge