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Disability and chronic illness in the veterinary professions

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

The report was was created by the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Team, as part of our wider D&I programme. It reflects our commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the veterinary professions. 

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Who this report is for

This report is relevant to:

  • Veterinary practice owners and managers
  • Vets and vet nurses
  • Students 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.