Consultation outcome

Summary of responses and government response

Updated 13 July 2026

Background

This annex summarises responses to Defra’s consultation on potential reforms to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The consultation was open from 28 January 2026 to 25 March 2026 and sought views on proposals relating to the regulation of veterinary professionals, fitness to practise, regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses, and governance of the regulator. The analysis presented here has informed the development of the government’s policy position.

A fuller report setting out the consultation analysis and accompanying qualitative research will be published separately on Defra’s science and research pages in due course.

Responses and participation

The consultation received 6,219 responses. Responses were submitted through Citizen Space (6,034), by email (184) and by post (1).

Alongside the written consultation, additional qualitative research was undertaken to explore views in more depth. This included:

• 3 stakeholder workshops, attended by 45 participants across regulatory bodies, veterinary professionals, businesses and welfare organisations
• 20 in-depth stakeholder interviews
• 4 focus groups, with 26 animal owners and keepers, including owners of household pets, equine owners and farmers

These activities were designed to capture a range of views from people and organisations with different perspectives on the proposed reforms.

Analysis approach

The consultation analysis was undertaken by Ipsos on behalf of Defra. All responses were quality checked before analysis.

Closed questions were analysed descriptively. The tables below show the number and percentage of respondents selecting each answer. Base sizes vary because not all respondents answered every question. Percentages are calculated as a proportion of those who answered each question.

Open-text responses were systematically coded by trained Ipsos researchers using a structured coding framework. Coding was conducted manually using the Ascribe platform. Quality assurance checks were carried out on 5 to 10% of coded responses to support consistency. No generative AI tools were used in the coding or analysis of consultation responses or qualitative research.

The accompanying qualitative research was analysed thematically to identify common issues, differences in perspective and illustrative examples across stakeholder workshops, interviews and focus groups.

How to read the results

Responses to public consultations are self-selecting: individuals and organisations decide whether to respond, and some groups may be more likely to participate than others. The findings should therefore not be interpreted as statistically representative of the wider population, the veterinary professions, veterinary and animal healthcare businesses, animal owners and keepers, or all affected groups.

Percentages from closed questions show the proportion of respondents who answered that question. They should not be read as estimates of wider opinion. For questions where respondents could select more than one option, percentages may sum to more than 100%. In those cases, totals are not shown because respondents could choose multiple responses.

Open-text and qualitative findings summarise the range and nature of views expressed by respondents and participants. Where key themes are listed, these are intended to illustrate the main issues raised and should not be interpreted as a measure of prevalence unless counts are shown.

When reviewing the data, please note:

• single-response tables: Base = number of respondents who answered this question. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding
• select all that apply tables: Base = number of respondents who answered this question. Respondents could select more than one option, so percentages may sum to more than 100%
• open-text theme lists: Themes summarise the main issues raised in open-text responses and are not exhaustive unless stated

Quality and transparency

The analysis in this annex is published to support transparency about the evidence used to inform policy development. Defra has reviewed the outputs from Ipsos and has used the findings alongside wider evidence, including stakeholder engagement and the Competition and Markets Authority’s market investigation into veterinary services for household pets.

Q1 asked for contact information; Q2 asked if people wanted their response to be public or not.

Introduction questions

Q3. If you are responding as an individual, please specify the country or nation you reside in. If you are responding on behalf of a business or organisation, please indicate where your business or organisation is primarily based or operates the most. Please select one option only

n = 6054

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of Responses
England	4947	82%
Scotland	589	10%
Wales	335	6%
Northern Ireland	89	1%
Outside the UK – please state	72	1%
Prefer not to say	22	* (asterisk denotes <0.5%)
Total	6054

Outside of the UK responses included:

• Australia
• Canada
• Chanel Islands
• Dubai
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Isle of Man
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Spain

Q4. Are you responding on behalf of a business or organisation?  Please select one option only

n = 6213

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of Responses
Yes – on behalf of a business or organisation	437	7%
No – not on behalf of a business or organisation	5776	93%
Total	6213

Q5. Which category of business or organisation are you representing? Please select one option only

n = 420

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of Responses
Charity	17	4%
Consumer Group	3	1%
Educational/academic institute	20	5%
Representative body	67	16%
Veterinary practice/business	153	37%
Veterinary public health organisation	3	1%
Other business or organisation – please state	157	37%
Total	420

Other business or organisation responses:

• union
• mentors
• AVP practices
• breeder
• local authority organisation
• food producer
• technology company for the veterinary sector
• research organisation
• riding school

Q6. Are you a veterinary professional or do you professionally work with animals? Please select one option only

n = 6054

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of Responses
Yes – I am a veterinary professional (hold a professional qualification relating to animal health and/or welfare for example, veterinary surgeon, registered veterinary nurse etc)	5504	91%
Yes – I professionally work with animals (but do not hold a specific professional qualification for example groomer, farm-hand, dog walker etc)	226	4%
No, I do not professionally work with animals	324	5%
Total	6054

Q7. If you are a veterinary professional or work in an animal-related profession, please specify your role. Please select one option only

n = 5540

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of Responses
Allied veterinary professional: behaviourist	95	2%
Allied veterinary professional: cattle hoof trimmer	46	1%
Allied veterinary professional: equine dental technician	56	1%
Allied veterinary professional: farrier or barefoot trimmer	232	4%
Allied veterinary professional: musculoskeletal professional	328	6%
Allied veterinary professional: veterinary technician	12	*
Allied veterinary professional: other	44	1%
Farmer	9	*
Student: allied veterinary professional	18	*
Student: veterinary nurse	141	3%
Student: veterinary surgeon	90	2%
Veterinary nurse	1509	27%
Veterinary surgeon	2737	49%
Other	214	4%
Prefer not to say	9	*
Total	5540

Other responses included:

• hydrotherapist
• receptionist
• trainer
• academic
• veterinary care assistant
• retired veterinary professional

Q8. Which of the following best describes your gender?  Please select one option only

n = 5974

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of Responses
Man	1255	21%
Woman	4563	76%
Non-Binary	22	*
My gender is not listed	1	*
Prefer not to say	133	2%
Total	5974

Q9. What is your age group? Please select one option only

n = 5983

Answer	Number of Responses	Percentage of responses
18 to 24	308	5%
25 to 34	1606	27%
35 to 44	1770	30%
45 to 54	1248	21%
55 to 64	657	11%
65 to 74	217	4%
Over 75	57	1%
Prefer not to say	120	2%
Total	5983

Q10. Which of the following best describes you?  Please select one option only

n = 5746

Asian / Asian British: 1% (65 respondents)

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Indian	28	*
Pakistani	4	*
Bangladeshi	2	*
Chinese	19	*
Other Asian/Asian British	12	*
Total	65

Black / African / Caribbean / Black British: <0.5% (13 respondents)

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
African	7	*
Caribbean	3	*
Other Black/African/Caribbean	3	*
Total	13

Mixed / Multiple ethnic groups: 1% (81 respondents)

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
White and Black Caribbean	16	*
White and Black African	8	*
White and Asian	31	1%
Other mixed/multiple ethnic groups	26	*
Total	81

White: 97% (5575 respondents)

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British	5074	88%
Irish	107	2%
Gypsy or Irish Traveller	2	*
Other White	392	7%
Total	5575

Other ethnic group: <0.5% (12 respondents)

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Arab	2	*
Other ethnic group	10	*
Total	12

Q11. Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?  Please select one option only

n = 5947

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Straight/heterosexual	4879	82%
Gay or lesbian	201	3%
Bisexual	246	4%
Other sexual orientation	61	1%
Prefer not to say	560	9%
Total	5947

Q12. Do you consider yourself or anyone in your household to be officially disabled? Defined by the Equality Act 2010 as ‘A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities’ Please select one option only

n = 5965

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Yes	688	12%
No	4945	83%
Prefer not to say	332	6%
Total	5965

Licence to practise questions

L2PQ1. Veterinary acts can only be carried out by those who have an appropriate licence to undertake them (or have an exemption). A veterinary surgeon with a full licence to practise would be allowed to undertake all veterinary acts. Veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals would be able to undertake some veterinary acts, as determined by the regulator.  Which of the following do you think should be considered as veterinary acts: Please select all the apply

n = 5892

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Performance of surgical operations on animals	5430	92%
Diagnosis of diseases in, and injuries to, animals	5371	91%
Medical treatment of animals	5148	87%
Signing of official certification	5086	86%
Giving advice based upon a diagnosis	4933	84%
Carrying out tests on animals for diagnostic purposes	4854	82%
None of these	35	1%
Don’t know	33	1%

L2PQ2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Only individuals with a valid appropriate licence to practise (or those that have an exemption order to undertake specific acts) should be allowed to perform veterinary acts, as detailed in the chapter above? Please select one option only

n = 5910

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Strongly agree	5092	86%
Tend to agree	679	11%
Neither agree nor disagree	42	1%
Tend to disagree	39	1%
Strongly disagree	36	1%
Don’t know	22	*
Total	5910

L2PQ3. Which, if any, penalties should be imposed on anyone who performs veterinary acts without a valid licence to practise those specific acts? Please select all that apply

n = 5886

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  respondents choosing answer
Suspension of licence	4327	74%
Fines and financial penalties	4055	69%
Legal actions that could result in criminal convictions - depending on the severity of the infringement	4014	68%
Professional disqualification - preventing individuals from practising in the veterinary field in the future	3891	66%
Revocation of licence	3474	59%
Reputation damage by publicly announcing the penalty faced by the individual	1601	27%
Other penalty (please elaborate)
No penalty	23	*
Don’t know	257	4%

If other:

Key themes:

• Dependent on the context
  • Different approach for those practising without a licence vs those with a license practising outside their permitted scope
• Retraining and/or compulsory CPD
• Warnings

L2PQ4. Expansion of animal definition

How appropriate is the use of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 to define which species are covered under veterinary care? Please select one option only

n = 5866

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very inappropriate	419	7%
Somewhat inappropriate	630	11%
Neutral	915	16%
Somewhat appropriate	1627	28%
Very appropriate	1780	30%
Don’t know	495	8%
Total	5866

L2PQ4b. If you answered “very inappropriate” or “somewhat inappropriate”, please provide details of why you find it inappropriate for the definition of animals to be the same as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022.

n = 372

Key themes:

• Definition is too narrow:
  • Should include invertebrates
• Definition is too broad:
  • Should only include mammals
• Difficult to prove sentience

L2PQ5. The video you have seen shows the process for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals to gain a licence to practise.  How confident are you that this ensures professionals are fully qualified, are proficient in English and have not committed serious crimes? Please select one option only

n =5840

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very confident	1306	22%
Fairly confident	3573	61%
Not very confident	487	8%
Not at all confident	128	2%
Don’t know	346	6%
Total	5840

L2PQ5b. If you answered “not very confident” or “not at all confident”, what, if anything, would make you more confident?

n = 441

Key themes:

• clear definitions of veterinary acts
• background/DBS checks
• alignment with existing standards
• greater clarity on the qualification requirements
• clear and accountable complaints process
• costs of indemnity insurance is discriminatory for those not practising
• both concerns it could discriminate against those with a disability and support it would aid those with a disability

L2PQ6. Currently, registered veterinary nurses can only carry out veterinary tasks if they are delegated from a veterinary surgeon employed by the same business. Should registered veterinary nurses be able to carry out specific roles, such as district nursing, without direct delegation from a veterinary surgeon? Please select one option only

n = 5881

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Yes, should definitely carry out	1907	32%
Yes, should probably carry out	2381	40%
No, should probably not carry out	888	15%
No, should definitely not carry out	444	8%
Don’t know	261	4%
Total	5881

L2PQ7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the proposal to expand regulation to include allied professionals, for example, Equine Dental Technicians, Behaviourists, musculoskeletal professionals? Please select one option only

n = 5949

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Strongly agree	3549	60%
Tend to agree	1587	27%
Neither agree nor disagree	240	4%
Tend to disagree	248	4%
Strongly disagree	252	4%
Don’t know	73	1%
Total	5949

L2PQ7b. What are your thoughts on expanding the regulation to include allied veterinary professionals?

n = 4008

Key themes:

• they should all be qualified, competent and insured
• it would protect and/or improve animal welfare
• ensure consistent and high standards
• improve confidence and trust from the public/clients
• allow for multi-disciplinary teams

L2PQ8. To what extent is it important, or not, for the professional titles of veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals be legally protected? Please select one option only

n = 5954

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	5446	91%
Fairly important	386	6%
Not very important	53	1%
Not at all important	22	*
Don’t know	47	1%
Total	5954

L2PQ9. To what extent do you agree or disagree that farriers should be incorporated into the VSA with the allied veterinary professionals? Please select one option only

n = 5870

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Strongly agree	2178	37%
Tend to agree	2007	34%
Neither agree nor disagree	679	12%
Tend to disagree	298	5%
Strongly disagree	249	4%
Don’t know	459	8%
Total	5870

L2PQ9b. If you answered “neither agree nor disagree”, “tend to disagree”, or “strongly disagree”, please explain your answer

n = 826

Key themes:

• farriers are currently regulated in GB, and the system currently works well
• regulation of farriers is already well established
• not considering farriers as a veterinary professional
• farriers to remain independent from vets
• this would not protect or improve animal welfare

L2PQ10. Do you think that equine barefoot trimmers should, or should not be regulated? Please select one option only

n = 5876

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Yes, should definitely be regulated	3133	53%
Yes, should probably be regulated	1851	32%
No, should probably not be regulated	154	3%
No, should definitely not be regulated	48	1%
Don’t know	690	12%
Total	5876

L2PQ11. Do you have any comments you wish to make on the Licence to Practise proposals?

n = 2495

Key themes:

• it is needed to protect/improve animal welfare
• will ensure veterinary professionals are adequately qualified competent, insured
• this is needed and long overdue
• titles need to be protected alongside bringing in regulation for the whole veterinary team
• could result in increased costs, bureaucracy, and admin for the veterinary professions

Fitness to practise questions

F2PQ1. Thinking of the process you have just read about and/or the video you have watched. To what extent do you agree, or disagree, that the proposed overall Fitness to Practise process is appropriate? Please select one option only

n = 5419

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Strongly agree	1329	25%
Tend to agree	3053	56%
Neither agree nor disagree	439	8%
Tend to disagree	212	4%
Strongly disagree	140	3%
Don’t know	246	5%
Total	5419

F2PQ1b. Please provide reasons for your answer

n = 2346

Key themes:

• need for fairness and proportionality
• need for clarity and transparency of processes
• ensuring consistent and timely execution of the processes

F2PQ2. Thinking about someone in the veterinary team who is found to have a current impairment. Which, if any, of the following sanctions should be considered at the tribunal stage?

A ‘current impairment’ refers to:

• serious misconduct (going against the Code of Professional Conduct);
• professional performance being seriously below what is expected;
• a conviction for a criminal offence;
• a long-term physical or mental health condition (or disability); 5. where someone cannot work safely (for themselves/their patients) in the area they are working with reasonable adjustments in place, including due to substance abuse/alcoholism.

Please select all that apply

n = 5371

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Undertakings (formal promise about actions to take/stop, for example, CPD requirements)	4344	81%
Conditions on their licence (for example, work restrictions, supervision)	4090	76%
Suspension of their licence	3791	71%
Removal of their licence	2662	50%
Other information (please write in)
None of these	35	1%
Don’t know	213	4%
Total	5371

If other:

Key themes:

• dependent on the context
• sanctions should not be applicable or the same for people with disabilities, or physical/mental health conditions
• sanctions should be proportionate

F2PQ3. If a veterinary professional had their licence to practise removed by the regulator, how long do you think the minimum period should be before allowing them to apply for their licence to be restored, it at all. Please select one option only

n = 5402

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
1 year	417	8%
2 years	249	5%
3 years	289	5%
5 years	260	5%
7 years	5	*
10 years	21	*
Longer than 10 years	5	*
Not be able to apply for their licence to be restored	144	3%
The regulator should not be able to remove a licence to practise	47	1%
Depends on the reason for the removal	3896	72%
Don’t know	69	1%
Total	5402

F2PQ4. In a situation where a veterinary professional is alleged to have a current impairment of their competency to practise (including for health reasons such as disability, substance abuse/addiction, chronic illness), what, if any, information should the regulator be allowed to access?

Please select all that apply

n = 5378

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Independent performance assessment report with relevant health information	4426	82%
Letter from doctor(s) with relevant health information and/or assessment of working ability	3837	71%
Medical records relating only to items relevant to the case	2073	39%
Other information (please write in)
None	103	2%
Don’t know	213	4%
Total	5378

If other:

Key themes:

• consent should be required for sharing of medical notes
• testimonials from colleagues, clients, other licensed professionals
• documentation from current/previous employer

F2PQ5. Do you have any further comments you wish to make on the fitness to practice proposals?

n = 6219

Key themes:

• need for there to be improvements to enhance animal welfare and ensure the system is fair
• importance of supportive measures for professionals
• Importance of transparent and consistent standards and processes
• ensure that this is non-discriminatory

Regulation of veterinary or animal healthcare businesses questions

BusQ1. Which, if any, of the following Veterinary/Animal Healthcare businesses should be regulated under proposed new legislation?  Some responses were exclusive (as indicated in table)

n = 5477

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
All veterinary/animal healthcare businesses	4790	87%
Veterinary/animal healthcare businesses with physical location	305	6%
Veterinary/animal healthcare businesses with an online presence only	270	5%
Veterinary/animal healthcare businesses run by licensed veterinary surgeons	221	4%
Veterinary/animal healthcare businesses run by licensed veterinary nurses	182	3%
Veterinary/animal healthcare businesses run by regulated allied veterinary professionals	171	3%
Other (please specify)
Veterinary/animal healthcare businesses should not be regulated	139	3%
Don’t know	101	2%
Total	5477

BusQ2. Thinking about a scenario of a veterinary/animal healthcare business that has multiple premises/locations (i.e. different branches) across a number of different geographic locations. Which of the options below should a named responsible person be responsible for? Please select one option only

n = 5435

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
One premises/location ONLY	627	12%
Each premises/location AND an additional responsible person for the overall central business	3742	69%
One designated responsible person overseeing multiple premises/locations	545	10%
There should NOT be a named responsible person at premises or business level	190	3%
Don’t know	331	6%
Total	5435

If selected “d”, please explain your answer

n = 107

Key themes:

• risk of over-regulation
• business should be responsible
• depends on the business
• too much responsibility for one person
• everyone should be responsible

BusQ3. Which, if any, of the following should be assessed by the regulator? Please select all that apply

n = 5486

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  respondents choosing answer
Qualifications of the regulated professional	4986	91%
Animal welfare policies	4958	90%
Record keeping to professional and legal requirements	4821	88%
Management, storage and usage of medicines	4767	87%
Training of the regulated professional	4483	82%
The health and safety policies	4417	81%
Working environment including equipment and facilities	4294	78%
Staff welfare policies	4220	77%
Treatment of consumer/customers	3546	65%
Visible information about prices	3511	64%
Leadership of the practice	3151	57%
Participation with an external mediation/adjudication service	2810	51%
None of these	58	1%
Don’t know	162	3%
Total	5486

BusQ4. A veterinary/animal healthcare business would need to have a licence from the regulator before they open a premises. Which, if any, of the following do you think the premises must have in place before the licence is issued? Please select all that apply

n = 5434

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  respondents choosing answer
Declaration from the business that it meets the requirements of a licence	4656	86%
Named responsible person at the premises	4339	80%
Named responsible person at business level (for groups)	3874	71%
Inspection by the regulator of the premises (or documentation for online‑only businesses)	3612	66%
Inspection of premises based on risk	2469	45%
Something else (please write in)
None of these	46	1%
Don’t know	211	4%

If other:

Key themes:

• this needs to be proportionate
• inspection after licensing

BusQ5. If the regulator is concerned about a veterinary/animal healthcare business, which if any of the following situations do you think the regulator should have powers of entry to inspect the practice? Please select all that apply

n = 5191

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Powers of entry for risk-based spot inspections for business/practice premises	3752	72%
Powers of entry for routine inspections for business/practice premises	3586	69%
Powers of entry for spot inspections for business/practice premises	2726	53%
Warranted powers of entry (from the police) for business/practice premises	2567	49%
Warranted powers of entry (from the police) for private dwellings	2329	45%
Powers of entry for routine inspections for private dwellings regarding mobile/ remote businesses (where the paperwork is kept in their private dwellings)	2055	40%
Powers of entry for another situation (please write in)
No powers of entry	208	4%
Don’t know	150	3%
Total	5191

If other:

Key themes:

• need for this to be proportionate
• prior notice given before inspection

BusQ6. Which, if any, of the following sanctions and actions do you think the regulator should impose for non-compliance of the veterinary/animal healthcare business requirements? Please select all that apply

n = 5417

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  respondents choosing answer
Issue an ‘improvement notice’ of work that must take place with a timeframe set by the regulator based on severity and risk	4747	88%
Provide guidance and advice on improvements	4567	84%
Impose fines based upon the non- compliances and how critical they are.	3541	65%
Charge a business owner with a criminal offence if the business is operating without a licence.	3485	64%
Suspend the practice licence	3436	63%
Issue an immediate stop notice for the premises to stop work on specific activities	3151	58%
Suspend the business licence (i.e.. all premises within the business)	2473	46%
Permanent removal of the licence	1893	35%
Other sanction/actions (please write in)
None of these	41	1%
Don’t know	215	4%

If other:

Key themes:

• dependent on the context
• all sanctions should be proportionate to risk
• prosecution for non-compliance

BusQ7. Do you have any comments you wish to make about the proposed regulation of veterinary/animal healthcare businesses?

n = 2052

Key themes:

• regulation of businesses is needed, but needs to be appropriate and proportionate
• improve animal welfare and ensure consistent high standards
• regulation requirements should be different based on different types of businesses
• concerns about increased costs/bureaucracy, especially for small businesses and sole traders
• named responsible person should not be punished for faults from corporate owners
• cost of inspections should be covered in licensing fees

Governance questions

GovQ1. Which of the two illustrative options do you believe would most effectively serve the veterinary sector in the future? Please select one option only

n = 5338

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
1. Regulator with professional leadership function	2475	46%
2. Split model: separate professional leadership body	1764	33%
Neither of these	177	3%
Don’t know	922	17%
Total	5338

GovQ2a. What, if any, benefits do you believe maintaining a single body, including regulator and professional leadership factions, would bring to the veterinary profession? Please select all that apply

n = 5288

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  responses
Clear lines of communication between the regulator and the professional leadership of the veterinary professions	3634	69%
Not having the cost of setting up a new organisation	3425	65%
Efficiency of regulation and professional leadership taking place within one organisation	3174	60%
Maintaining a system that the public and professions are used to	2972	56%
Keeping post-nominals (albeit reformed) for veterinary professionals	2873	54%
Increased clarity and transparency of regulatory and professional leadership functions of the for the public and the professions	2620	50%
Maintaining the Royal Charter	1911	36%
Other benefits (please write in)
No benefits	264	5%
Don’t know	349	7%

If other:

Key themes:

• lowers fees
• improved collaborative and multi-disciplinary working

GovQ2b What, if any, benefits do you believe a proposed Split Model with a separate new professional leadership body would bring to the veterinary profession? Please select all that apply

n = 5166

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage responses
Clearly defined roles for the regulator and professional leadership factions as an independent body/bodies	3066	59%
Ability for professionals to decide what (if anything) they want from a professional leadership body	2732	53%
Not having the potential for those in the professional leadership body to have influence on the regulator and vice versa	2513	49%
Improved flexibility for professional leadership body activities that are not constrained by being tied to a regulator	2490	48%
Keeping organisations lean and streamlined	1247	24%
Modern technology means communication between two bodies is not really affected	1097	21%
Other benefits (please write in)
No benefits	555	11%
Don’t know	629	12%

If other:

Key themes:

• improve animal owner/client trust
• ensure sector specific understanding
• confidence of the professions

GovQ3 Do you believe there are any risks with a single body having both regulator and professional leadership functions?

n = 2630

Key themes:

• conflict of interest
• increased bias and lack of impartiality
• poorly defined responsibilities
• lack of support for professions
• reduced public trust
• lack of clarity and transparency

GovQ3b How could any of the risks you have identified be mitigated?

n = 2020

Key themes:

• clearly defined roles and responsibilities
• ensuring fairness and impartiality
• focus on animal welfare
• clarity and transparency

GovQ4. Do you believe there are any risks with the proposed Split Model with a separate new professional leadership body?

n = 2596

Key themes:

• increased costs
• lack of co-ordination between separate organisations
• lack of representation/support for the professions
• duplication of effort

GovQ4b. How could any of the risks you have identified be mitigated?

n = 1763

Key themes:

• communication between bodies
• clearly defined roles and responsibilities
• ensure fees are proportionate
• appropriate appointment of leadership

GovQ5. To what extent are each of the following important, or not, as primary objectives of the regulator to ensure effective Regulation? Please select one option only for each

a. Protecting animal health and welfare

n = 5340

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	5173	97%
Fairly important	132	2%
Not very important	8	*
Not at all important	5	*
Don’t know	22	*
Total	5340

b. Promoting public confidence

n = 5332

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	3583	67%
Fairly important	1588	30%
Not very important	123	2%
Not at all important	13	*
Don’t know	25	*
Total	5332

c. Maintaining professional standards

n = 5334

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	4980	93%
Fairly important	311	6%
Not very important	13	*
Not at all important	7	*
Don’t know	23	*
Total	5334

d. Protecting consumers

n = 5326

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	2679	50%
Fairly important	2242	42%
Not very important	289	5%
Not at all important	70	1%
Don’t know	46	1%
Total	5326

e. Ensuring fair competition

n = 5321

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	2042	38%
Fairly important	2226	42%
Not very important	760	14%
Not at all important	220	4%
Don’t know	73	1%
Total	5321

GovQ6. To what extent is a professional leadership body important? Please select one option only

n = 5329

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	3470	65%
Fairly important	1477	28%
Neither important nor not important	158	3%
Not very important	35	1%
Not at all important	23	*
Don’t know	166	3%
Total	5329

GovQ7. Which, if any of the following, do you consider to be the primary functions of a professional leadership body? Please select all that apply

n = 5301

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of respondents choosing answer
Professional leadership, driving their profession to be the best it can be	4454	84%
Profession-specific guides on activities and conduct, based on the overarching codes of conduct set by committees	4200	79%
Educating the public on care for animals and how to interact with the profession	3674	69%
Establish specialist-specific standards above the mandatory level for specialisms	3500	66%
Other function (please write in)
None of these	27	1%
Don’t know	196	4%

If other:

Key themes:

• supporting professionals through CPD
• defending, advocating, and protecting the profession
• representation to government
• support for wellbeing and mental health of professionals

GovQ8. Which of the following, if any, should be prioritised when appointing individuals to Boards and Committees of the regulator? Please select all that apply

n = 5323

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  respondents choosing answer
Professional background (Veterinary Surgeon, Registered Veterinary Nurse, Allied Veterinary Professional)	4821	91%
Area(s) of expertise (for example, public health, equine, small animal)	4806	90%
Regulatory or educational experience	3266	61%
Spectrum of skills	2678	50%
Geographic representation (across the UK)	2652	50%
Lay parity (this means there would be equal numbers of veterinary professionals and those without veterinary qualifications on the Board)	2003	38%
Other (please write in)
None of these	7	*
Don’t know	128	2%

If other:

Key themes:

• practical experience within the veterinary sector
• impartiality and lack of bias
• diverse demographics (race, gender, age etc)
• not having lay parity
• elections

GovQ9. To what extent is independent oversight of the regulator important or not in relation to the following aspects? Please select one option only for each

a. Appointment processes

n = 5210

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	2959	57%
Fairly important	1543	30%
Not very important	226	4%
Not at all important	42	1%
Don’t know	440	8%
Total	5210

b. Fitness to practise cases

n = 5206

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	3210	62%
Fairly important	1409	27%
Not very important	217	4%
Not at all important	65	1%
Don’t know	305	6%
Total	5206

c. Overall performance

n = 5208

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	3019	58%
Fairly important	1647	32%
Not very important	161	3%
Not at all important	36	1%
Don’t know	345	7%
Total	5208

GovQ10. The regulator is responsible for setting fees for veterinary professionals’ licences. Which, if any, of the following aspects related to fee setting for veterinary professionals’ licences should the regulator consult on? Please select all that apply

n = 5297

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of  respondents choosing answer
Fee levels: the proposed fee amounts to ensure they are fair and justified	4679	88%
Economic impact: to gather feedback on how the proposed fees might affect veterinary businesses financially	3886	73%
Cost allocations and priorities: to engage veterinary professionals on how funds from fees should be used for different regulatory activities	3540	67%
Service feedback: to ask for opinions on the quality and scope of the services that the fees will support	3510	66%
Regulatory changes and requirements: to update and consult on any legal or procedural changes impacting fees and licensing	3257	61%
Stakeholder needs and expectations: to understand the needs and expectations of veterinary professionals regarding regulatory practices	2806	53%
Other (please specify)
None of these	24	*
Don’t know	230	4%

If other:

Key themes:

• proportionate feed
• clarity on what fees are spent on
• how fees will impact clients/customers
• ability to pay in instalments

GovQ11. How important, or not, is it for veterinary professionals to have post-nominals (as well as a licensing number from the regulator)? Please select one option only

n = 5330

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very important	4022	75%
Fairly important	890	17%
Not very important	152	3%
Not at all important	42	1%
Don’t know	224	4%
Total	5330

GovQ12. Which approach to post-nominals do you prefer for veterinary professionals? Please select one option only

n = 5339

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Profession‑specific post‑nominals (RVS, RVN, RAVP)	3277	61%
Unified post‑nominals linked to regulator (for example, MRCVS with profession indicated)	1060	20%
Other (please specify)	702	13%
No post‑nominals	29	1%
Don’t know	271	5%
Total	5339

If other:

Key themes:

• only veterinary surgeons should be MRCVS
• combination of both (for example MRCVS RVS, MRCVS RVN, MRCVS RAVP)
• concern about confusion of AVP meaning both Allied Veterinary Professional and Advanced Veterinary Practitioner

GovQ13. Which part of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service should hear statutory appeals: a regulatory tribunal (such as the First-tier Tribunal) or the High Court? Please select one option only

n = 5231

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Regulatory tribunal	2604	50%
High Court	318	6%
Other	51	1%
None of these	53	1%
Don’t know	2205	42%
Total	5231

If other:

Key themes:

• depending on the severity of the case
• need to be cost effective
• appeals need to be fair

GovQ14. Should appeals be on a full merits basis (decided on the facts and merits of the entire case, not just on a specific point of law), on points of law only, or a combination? Please select one option only

n = 5244

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Full merits basis	1685	32%
On points of law only	84	2%
A combination	2533	48%
Don’t know	942	18%
Total	5244

GovQ15. Do you have any comments you wish to make about governance?

n = 1160

Key themes:

• support for the proposals
• will improve trust from clients and the public
• change is needed
• need clarity on roles
• importance of lay parity
• need for a robust regulatory framework
• importance of regulating all veterinary professionals
• animal welfare needs to be considered
• need to ensure clarity and accountability

Overall impact questions

OIQ1 Do you agree or disagree with the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, and why? Please select one option only

n = 5867

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Agree	4890	83%
Disagree	393	7%
Don’t Know	584	10%
Total	5867

Reasons for response:

• VSA is outdated and needs reform
• reforms would protect/improve animal welfare
• veterinary professionals should be regulated and have protected titles

OIQ2. Do you have any additional points to raise regarding the proposals that you have not yet had the chance to express in this consultation?

n = 1487

• VSA is outdated and needs reform
• reforms would protect/improve animal welfare
• veterinary professionals should be regulated and have protected titles
• reforms should increase scope of practice for veterinary nurses
• reforms should ensure consistent high standards

OIQ3. Do you think that the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 will discriminate against or benefit those with protected characteristics?

n = 1883

• it would benefit them - no further descriptor was provided
• it would benefit those with a disability or physical health condition women or pregnancy
• it depends on the implementation of the Act
• concern it could discriminate against those with a disability or physical health condition, women or pregnancy

OIQ4. Consultation Tool Feedback: Overall, how satisfied are you with our online consultation tool? Please select one option only

n = 5610

Answer	Number of responses	Percentage of responses
Very satisfied	958	17%
Satisfied	2499	45%
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied	1449	26%
Dissatisfied	478	9%
Very dissatisfied	151	3%
Don’t know	75	1%
Total	5610

Next steps

We have published our white paper setting out our vision for a thriving veterinary sector.

These proposals include:

• recognition and regulation of the entire veterinary team, including veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals
• transition to a licence to practise system, aligning with best practice among other UK regulated health professions
• modernisation of disciplinary procedures, shifting from a punitive retrospective model to a “fit to practise” approach based on current impairment
• introduction of mandatory minimum standards for veterinary practices, ensuring consistent quality and safety, and seeking to address concerns raised during the Competition and Market Authority’s market investigation
• transformation of the regulatory governance structures, to ensure it remains effective and proportionate

These reforms will improve transparency and choice for consumers. We intend to introduce legislation to enact these proposals when parliamentary time allows.