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Majority of European veterinary surgeons in the future will be female, survey finds
In 2018, female were being paid on average 12 per cent less than their male colleagues.

More than 14,500 professionals respond to FVE study


A recent survey carried out by the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe (FVE) has found that the majority of European veterinary surgeons in the future will be female.

The survey found that 58 per cent of veterinary surgeons in Europe are women and 42 per cent are men, representing a five per cent increase since 2015.

The FVE reports: “With the proportion of female veterinary surgeons being far higher amongst veterinary surgeons under the age of 40, it is expected that feminisation will continue further."

More than 14,500 veterinary surgeons responded to the second FVE Survey of the Veterinary Profession, conducted by the FVE between November 2018 and March 2019. Veterinary surgeons from 30 European countries were asked to complete an online survey to help understand the current situation of the profession and evaluate what actions should be taken to shape it.

Among its key findings, the survey notes there are now an estimated 309,144 veterinary surgeons in Europe, caring for 290 million companion animals and 371 million cattle sheep pigs and goats. Regarding its demographic composition, the veterinary profession in Europe continues to be a young industry, with 45 per cent of vets being less than 40 years old (in 2015 the proportion was 44 per cent). 

Despite women accounting for more than half of all veterinary surgeons in Europe, there remains a gender pay gap. The survey notes that in 2018, female were being paid on average 12 per cent less than their male colleagues (28 per cent in 2015). 


It also found that the vast majority of veterinary surgeons work full time (81 per cent), with the most common employment sector being clinical practice (58 per cent). The second most common sector is public service (14 per cent), followed by education and research (11 per cent) and industry (four per cent).


A full analysis by the FVE TaskForce can be found at www.fve.org

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.