With the publication today [28 January 2026] of the government’s consultation on proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA), which would modernise the regulatory framework of the veterinary sector, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is urging veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, allied professionals and animal owners/keepers to use this once-in-a-generation opportunity to respond in support of the proposals.
The landmark eight-week consultation comes from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and sets out key provisions of what could be in a reformed Veterinary Surgeons Act, such as: the regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses, regulation of others working in animal healthcare (‘allied professionals’), protection of title for veterinary nurses and allied professionals, and modernised registration and fitness to practise processes.
The consultation asks professionals and members of the public to respond with their views on each of these proposals through a series of questions.
Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS, RCVS President, commented: “This is an historic moment for UK animal health and welfare and the veterinary sector, and we are so glad that the government has recognised the need to replace the current outdated legislation with something flexible, forward-facing and future-proofed.
“This is a consultation that the RCVS, along with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), have pushed hard for over many years, recognising that a new legislative framework was needed to ensure that animal health and welfare, consumer confidence and the veterinary sector itself are protected.
“The provisions proposed for these reforms are aligned with what we, BVA and BVNA have campaigned for, and we are grateful for the time Defra has taken over the past year to listen to why these changes are necessary.
“It is now very important that members of the professions and the public respond to this consultation, because it’s no exaggeration to say that the next few decades of the professions will be influenced by the decisions made over the coming years with regards to the new legislation.
“This really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all of us to help shape the future of the veterinary professions and provision of animal healthcare services, and to introduce a modern regulatory framework that’s fit for purpose in the 21st century. At nearly 60 years old, the Veterinary Surgeons Act is in urgent need of reform – it’s time for change.”
In addition to changes to the primary legislation, the consultation also asks for views on potential reform to the governance structures of veterinary regulation – asking respondents if their preference is for the current model of having the RCVS as a ‘Royal College that regulates’ or an alternative model in which the RCVS would remain the regulator, but without its non-regulatory functions such as the professional leadership, Fellowship and support for RCVS Knowledge.
Regarding the future governance of the RCVS, Professor Parkin added: “The RCVS is calling for the preservation of its full range of functions, albeit with reforms to increase clarity between them, as these allow for a holistic, coherent and consistent approach to regulation in the interests of the public, animal health and welfare, and public health.
“The RCVS believes that narrowing its role would be a backward step, contrary to the modern regulatory trend towards more supportive regulation and argues against replicating the fractured regulatory landscape found in other sectors.”
The RCVS will be publishing its full response to the consultation in February.
Resources and information about all the recommendations are available on the RCVS website, along with a link to the consultation, which closes on 25 March 2026.