We are the largest membership community for the veterinary profession in the UK. We champion, support, and empower more than 19,000 vets of all ages, stages, and disciplines.

We’re making sure that our members' work is understood and valued by the public, that they’re supported to grow and thrive both personally and professionally, and that their expertise is heard and respected by the people shaping our national policies.

We have branches for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as a number of divisions and affiliates, including:

• Association of Government Veterinarians
• Association of Veterinary Students
• British Cattle Veterinary Association
• British Deer Veterinary Association
• British Equine Veterinary Association
• British Small Animal Veterinary Association
• British Veterinary Hospitals Association
• British Veterinary Poultry Association
• British Veterinary Zoological Society
• Fish Veterinary Society
• Goat Veterinary Society
• Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association
• Pig Veterinary Society
• Royal Army Veterinary Corps
• Sheep Veterinary Society
• Society of Greyhound Veterinarians
• Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons
• Veterinary Public Health Association

Our recent successes

Over the past few years we have had several successes lobbying on key Government policies across the devolved nations and at UK level.

In UK/Westminster, we have successfully lobbied for:

• A ban on shock collars for cats and dogs in England, which is due to come into force in February 2024.
• The widening of the scope of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill to include certain molluscs and crustaceans

In Scotland, we successfully campaigned for:

• A ban on glue traps to be included in the Scottish Wildlife Management Bill
• Tighter controls on the use and sale of fireworks

In Wales, we were able to:

• Achieve increased emphasis on animal health and welfare in the Agriculture Bill
• Successfully lobby for a ban on glue traps and snares to be included in the Agricultural Bill

In Northern Ireland, we continue to work towards:

• Maintaining access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland
• Ensuring animal health and welfare and the role of the veterinary profession are prominent in future agricultural policy

How we can help you

We provide scientific, evidence led briefings and advice for MPs, Ministers and Government officials on issues around animal health and welfare and the veterinary profession.

We work collaboratively with other stakeholders to be the voice of the veterinary profession on key issues, using our members’ expertise to bring about change and shape public debate.

Contact details 

For issues relating to policy and public affairs please contact: publicaffairs@bva.co.uk 

 

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