RCVS launches ‘under care’ survey
The RCVS launched its 'under care' guidance in 2023.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a new survey, as it seeks to understand how its ‘under care’ guidance is working in veterinary practices.
It comes three years after the RCVS first published its guidance, which set out directions for prescribing prescription-only veterinary medicines (POM-Vs). It also included guidance for limited service providers, information-only and advice-only services.
Now the RCVS’ new survey, which forms part of an overall review process, invites the profession to share its insight on how the ‘under care’ is working in practice.
Respondents will be asked to provide feedback on how the ‘under care’ guidance is working in their business on a day-to-day basis. They will also be able to detail its impact on prescribing behaviours.
An invitation link has already been emailed to all UK-practising veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. They will have until 5pm on Monday, 26 October 2026 to respond.
Veterinary organisations are also invited to prepare written submissions, which should be sent to StandardsSecretary@rcvs.org.uk for inclusion.
Dr Sam Bescoby, chair of the RCVS Standards Committee, said: “The original ‘under care’ consultation was a very significant undertaking and the RCVS made considerable efforts before and after the guidance was launched to explain what was changing and why.
“However, we know that, with any major guidance changes, there will be a bedding in period to allow veterinary professionals and practices to get used to new ways of working, and this is why RCVS Council committed to having a review to understand how the guidance is working, where improvements could be made and, if needed, how we can help the professions better understand the changes.”
The review process is part of a commitment which was made by RCVS Council when it approved the guidance in 2023.
The RCVS began its overall review in early 2025 when, alongside VetCompass, it commissioned independent research into prescribing behaviours before and after the guidance.
Researchers have been examining clinical records relating to nearly 8 million animals across the two study periods. This has included around 1.5 million cats, 2.8 million dogs and 75,000 horses for the pre-guidance period.
The findings of the study are set to be released as part of the Standards Committee’s final report.
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Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
