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WSAVA appoints chair of new standards steering committee
“I am really looking forward to joining the WSAVA team” – Rochelle Low.
The committee will create a set of standards for companion animal practices.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has announced the chair of its newly established Standards Steering Committee.

Rochelle Low, global vice-president of veterinary quality and patient safety at Mars Veterinary Health, will take on the role.

The committee has been created to develop and launch the WSAVA's Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices (ESCAVP). These standards are intended to help companion animal veterinary practices to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and access support resources.

Under Low’s leadership, the Standards Steering Committee will initially focus on identifying partner organisations that can contribute to the development and launch of the ESCAVP, and creating a practical project plan outlining key milestones and areas of focus.

In her role at Mars Veterinary Health, Dr Low has had responsibility of overseeing patient safety initiatives, addressing antimicrobial resistance, and leading the design and development of quality programmes and standards.

As well as holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, she has completed a Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality at Johns Hopkins University and a Master's in Healthcare Leadership at Brown University.

Dr Low said: “I am excited and honoured to take on the role of chair of the Essential Standards Committee for WSAVA.

“Setting key standards for companion animal practice globally will make an important difference to our patients and the veterinary teams that care for them. I am really looking forward to joining the WSAVA team.”

Ellen van Nierop, WSAVA president, added: “Rochelle's proven track record of leadership and her dedication to veterinary medicine make her the ideal candidate to guide our efforts in implementing WSAVA’s Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices.”

Image © WSAVA

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.