Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Animal owners sought to join public advisory panel
The PAG provides insight into animal owner and keeper opinion and experience. 

"The work of the group forms a vital part of our continual push” — Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO. 

The RCVS is calling on veterinary professionals to help recruit new members to its public advisory panel.      

Launched in 2023, the Public Advisory Group (PAG) brings together animal owners and keepers to inform and guide the RCVS in its role as a regulatory body for veterinary professionals.

New recruits will join a pool of 30 individuals, from which smaller groups will be drawn to support particular tasks. These tasks may include helping the RCVS understand emerging issues, piloting surveys and consultations, and acting as a sounding board for campaigns and messaging.

RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett, said: "Since its inception, our Public Advisory Group has provided us with valuable insight into animal owner and keeper opinion and experience, helping us ensure that the veterinary professions continue to meet the needs of clients and animals alike, both now and in the future.

"The work of the group forms a vital part of our continual push to improve how we work with - and communicate to - those who use veterinary services. It has been particularly useful to us during our work to respond to the Competition and Markets Authority investigation. We are particularly looking to increase the number of those involved in caring for camelids, cattle, and exotics to ensure we have proportionate representation across all animal owning groups.

"As veterinary professionals who work with the animal owning public every day, we would be grateful if you could share this important opportunity within your networks."

Current PAG member, Karren Morgan-Pinn, added: "As someone who listens to public concerns over veterinary care daily, joining the PAG has given me the opportunity to voice those opinions and concerns from lesser-known sectors.

"It has been refreshing to have insight into and be involved with regulatory processes that the general public are rarely consulted on. The RCVS’ passion for veterinary care and welfare is evident by them ensuring communication gaps are bridged by funding these panels."

More information about the PAG, including how to apply, is available on the PAG Animal Owner’s webpage. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 27 February 2026.

Image (C) Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'