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BVA discloses mental health survey results
stressed vet
The survey cited under 35s as most likely to seek support. Despite this, half of those questioned chose not to seek support.
Forty five per cent of young vets concerned for mental wellbeing

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey results outlined current wellbeing and mental health statistics in the veterinary profession with 45 per cent of vets expressing concerns about their mental health.  

Furthermore, the survey looked at ongoing supportive structures in the workplace, with 70 per cent of young vets feeling unsupported during their first year and professional development phase (PDP) of employment.

The survey cited under 35s as most likely to seek support. Despite this, half of those questioned chose not to seek support and a further 45 per cent were unsure how to recognise poor mental health in a colleague.

In addition, the issues starting work in practice were addressed, with 69 per cent having no appraisal, 77 per cent given no work hours for PDP case notes and 82 cent with no mentor in their first year.

The survey follows several other related incentives including Vet Futures’ survey of new graduates and the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons’ (SPVS) wellbeing award, in a continuing bid to address the issue of support and mental health in the profession.

BVA president Sean Wensley said: “These statistics present a sobering challenge to the veterinary profession and it is essential that we take steps to support our colleagues.”

The BVA is a member of the RCVS-led Mind Matters initiative, and is investing in the Young Vet Network (YVN) to facilitate supportive groups, meetings and social media interaction for young vets.  

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."