"To make our argument for change as compelling as possible, we need as much participation as possible" - Charlotte Pace, BVNA president.

Participants can respond until 31 December. 

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), has extended the deadline for its 'Protect the Title' survey to 31 December 2022.

Launched in September, the survey aims to gather views on how veterinary professionals feel about the title not being protected, and how this may impact their work.

A survey aimed at the public has also been released, to gather information on how the general public understands the veterinary nurse role, and how they feel about the potential use of unqualified staff. This survey has also been extended until 31 December.

In early 2023, the BVNA will produce and publish a report of the findings, which will then be presented to DEFRA, to support the campaign to protect the title of veterinary nurse. To strengthen the campaign, the BVNA is asking for as much participation as possible, and hopes that in extending the survey, more support will be gathered.

Charlotte Pace, BVNA president, said: “As the new President of BVNA, I believe it is important to continue to support BVNA’s Protect the Title campaign. It is time that veterinary nurses are recognised for the important job they do, and the training they have undergone.

“ The formal training that veterinary nurses are required to undertake provides the profession with standards to work to, and provides a framework for animal welfare. It also educates on important subjects such as One Health, because animal welfare and public health go hand in hand.

“This campaign will take time, but our voices are being heard. On 25th  October and 2nd  November, BVNA were invited to the Houses of Parliament   by the BVA to discuss with politicians and Lords the wider changes that need to be made to current legislation, including protection of the title ‘veterinary nurse’.

“To make protecting the title a realistic achievement, we need the help of the veterinary profession as a whole – all stakeholders, including the public.”

Supporting the campaign, the BVNA, British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) are holding an online panel discussion on Wednesday 16 November, providing veterinary professionals the opportunity to ask questions about the campaign, and to find out more about the process of legislative change.

Those interested can visit the BVNA website to register for the panel discussion.

Click here for the survey for veterinary professionals, and here for the public survey.

Image (C) BVNA