Treatment and care
Clear guidance on treatment, costs, and your rights helps you care for your pet with confidence.
Who's who in your veterinary practice
When you visit your veterinary practice, you'll meet various professionals, each playing an important role in your pet's care. Understanding who they and the role they play can help you feel confident that your pet is in good hands.
Every member of the team - from veterinary surgeons and nurses to students and support staff - has specific training and responsibilities. Understanding these roles can help you feel confident about who is caring for your pet and the expertise they bring.
Veterinary surgeon
A veterinary surgeon, usually called a ‘vet’, is a qualified professional who diagnoses illnesses, prescribes medication, and performs surgery to keep your pet healthy.
Becoming a vet takes five to six years of study. Only those registered with the RCVS can legally use the title 'veterinary surgeon', so you can be assured of their training and expertise.
We set and maintain professional standards through the Code of Professional Conduct, which governs how vets care for patients and behave in practice. Vets are also required to keep their skills and knowledge up to date through Continued Professional Development (CPD).
You can easily check if your vet is registered by using our Find a Vet service to search by name, location, or practice.
Other vets and referrals
Sometimes, your regular vet may refer your pet to another veterinary professional. This is completely normal and doesn't necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. Referrals usually happen when your pet needs specialist knowledge or equipment that isn't available at your usual practice.
Advanced practitioners
Advanced practitioners have additional qualifications and specialist expertise in areas such as diabetes management, dental care, and nutrition. While they don’t hold full specialist status, they provide a higher level of expertise in their chosen field than a general practitioner.
You can check an advanced practitioner's qualifications using our Find a Vet service, which includes advanced search options to help you find the right professional for your pet's needs.
RCVS Specialists
RCVS Specialists are vets who’ve reached the highest standard in their field.
They have:
- Completed a postgraduate diploma or an equivalent qualification
- Made significant contributions to their area of specialism
- Gained national and international recognition in their field
- Published widely in their area of expertise
Specialists must renew their status every five years to maintain their qualification. You'll find specialists in areas such as small animal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and many other disciplines.
Is seeing an advanced practitioner or specialist expensive?
It's natural to worry about costs when your pet is referred to an advanced practitioner or specialist. These consultations usually cost more than regular appointments, but getting an accurate diagnosis quickly can often save money in the long run. For more guidance on veterinary costs, visit our fees and pricing section.
Registered veterinary nurse
Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are qualified professionals who support vets in providing essential care for your pet. The title 'registered veterinary nurse' is protected by law, so you can be confident that anyone using it is properly registered with us.
RVNs complete between two and four years of training, depending on their chosen pathway. Like vets, they must follow our Code of Professional Conduct and keep their skills and knowledge up to date throughout their careers.
RVNs can carry out a wide range of procedures, from giving injections and administering anaesthetics to providing nursing care and offering health advice. If you wish to check whether a veterinary nurse is registered with us, you can use our Find a Vet service and select the 'nurse' option.
Student veterinary surgeon
While training, student veterinary surgeons must complete at least 20 weeks of clinical placements in veterinary practices or other places that offer animal care. This means you may meet a student when you visit your vet.
Students vets are always supervised by qualified vets and are there to gain real-world experience. Their presence doesn't affect the quality of care your pet receives – in fact, teaching practices often maintain particularly high standards because they're regularly assessed.
Student vets are allowed to carry out many of the same procedures as registered veterinary surgeons, provided they are appropriately supervised by a registered vet.
Student veterinary nurse
Student veterinary nurses also complete clinical placements as part of their training. Like student vets, they're always supervised by qualified professionals – either vet nurses or vets.
During their placements, student vet nurses learn essential skills, from basic animal handling to more complex nursing procedures. Their involvement in your pet's care is always suited to their level of training and experience.
Non-clinical staff
You'll also meet non-clinical team members, such as receptionists and practice managers, during your visit. While they don’t provide medical treatment, they play essential roles in keeping the practice running smoothly and helping you access the care your pet needs.
Some non-clinical staff may have additional qualifications or training to support their work, whether it’s improving customer service or managing specific aspects of practice operations.
If you are in any doubt as to who is speaking to you about your pet, always ask.