Join the Register of Veterinary Surgeons
Join the RCVS to practise veterinary surgery in the UK. Learn how to join the RCVS Register, with guidance on applications, supporting documents, and English language requirements.
Our service promise
Discover our service promise and the standards that guide the Practice Standards Scheme, professional registration, and all RCVS enquiries.
On this page
At the RCVS, we are committed to delivering high-quality service to both the veterinary profession and the public. Our service promise sets out the standards you can expect when contacting us, taking part in the Practice Standards Scheme, or registering as a veterinary professional.
Whether you have a question, need guidance, or wish to raise a concern, we aim to respond quickly, clearly, and respectfully, using your feedback to continually improve our work.
The following Charter outlines our service commitment - and how you can help us deliver the best possible service.
Our service agenda is about treating the public and the profession with the highest standards of customer care. We achieve this through our committed, caring and compassionate team, and a working culture that liberates our people to look for, and act on, constant improvement.
What you can expect
- A helpful response to any query from a named person who listens carefully and keeps you informed
- A response to verbal enquiries within two working days, and to written enquiries within one week
- An apology and corrective action if we make a mistake. Your feedback will be used to improve our service
Our approach is always:
- Fair
- Open
- Understanding
- Forward-thinking
- Accountable
- Consistent
The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme
The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme promotes and maintains the highest standards of veterinary care. Participation is voluntary, yet around 69% of UK practices have joined, demonstrating their commitment to top-quality care.
We hold ourselves to the same high standards and will:
- Notify practices three months before an inspection
- Share inspection outcomes within six weeks (or eight weeks if referred to the Practice Standards Review Group)
- Respond to any evidence provided within two weeks
- Send your accreditation pack within seven working days of confirming your compliance
Raising a concern about a veterinary professional or practice
If you’re a member of the public and want to raise a concern about a veterinary professional or practice, this page provides detailed information about the concerns process.
When a concern is raised, we will:
- Acknowledge it within two working days
- Provide clear information about the process to both the person raising the concern and the professional or practice involved
- Appoint a named contact to assess the concern and get in touch with you within two weeks
Concerns go through several stages until they are resolved. Our target timescales are:
- Stage 1: Assessment and Investigation - within six months
- Stage 2: Preliminary Investigation Committee - within seven months (simple cases) or 12 months (complex cases)
- Stage 3: Disciplinary Committee - within ten months (simple cases) or 15 months (complex cases)
We will keep all parties updated throughout the process.
Compliments or feedback about the RCVS
Whether you are a member of the public or a veterinary professional, if you would like to share a compliment or provide feedback about areas where we could improve, we want to hear from you. We use all feedback - positive or negative - to maintain the highest standards and improve our services where needed.
Please contact Lizzie Lockett, Chief Executive.
Email: [email protected]
Postal address:
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
1 Hardwick Street
London
EC1R 4RB
Our registration standards: veterinary surgeons
Veterinary surgeons: UK graduates
If you qualified in the UK, here’s what to expect when applying to register with the RCVS as a veterinary professional.
We will:
- Give you at least six weeks to complete your application
- Provide a named contact to help with any queries
- Provide helpful and accurate information about your registration, the RCVS and the profession
- Confirm your application within three working days of receiving your form and fee
Overseas veterinary surgeons
If you qualified outside the UK, you can register with the RCVS to work as a veterinary surgeon in the UK.
Please contact us as early as possible to avoid delays in starting work and carefully read all guidance to ensure you understand the registration process and timescales.
We will:
- Provide clear, accurate information about your registration application early in the process
- Confirm your application within one working week of receiving your documentation and provide information about next steps
- Keep you informed about any updates to your application
- Complete the application process and confirm your registration appointment within four weeks of receiving all your documentation
Our registration standards: veterinary nurses
UK veterinary nurses
If you qualified as a vet nurse in the UK, you must register with us to practise. We will:
- Acknowledge receipt of your application within three working days
- Process your registration within four weeks of receiving your completed application form, record of training, and payment
- Notify you within two weeks of receiving your paperwork if any details are missing, or if there’s anything else that could delay your registration
- Invite students to apply for registration: within seven working days if you have completed a further education qualification; six weeks before graduation if you have completed a higher education qualification
Overseas veterinary nurses
Vet nurses who qualified overseas can apply to register with the RCVS if they want to work in the UK. We will:
- Acknowledge receipt of your application within three working days
- Notify you within two weeks if any details are missing or incorrect in your application
- Process your application within eight weeks of receiving all your correctly completed paperwork