Renew or update your registration
Renew or update your RCVS registration online. Guidance for vets and vet nurses on fees, deadlines, changes, removals, restorations and support.
Returning to or leaving the veterinary profession
Taking a career break or considering your return to veterinary practice? Find everything you need to know about removing your name from the Register during absence and restoring it when you're ready to return. Discover support programmes and requirements tailored to your time away.
On this page
Returning to the profession
If you return to the veterinary profession, you need to restore your name to the Register. Restoration requirements depend on how long you've been away and whether you've been practising elsewhere.
For veterinary surgeons
Less than 12 months away
- Simple application through My Account
- Pay the restoration fee and annual registration fee
- No additional requirements
12 months or more away
- Complete a restoration application
- Provide sworn declaration of your activities during your absence
- Submit letters of good standing if you practised abroad
- Pay the restoration fee and annual registration fee
Five or more years away
If you've not been on the UK Register for five years or more, you must enrol on the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP). If your break was shorter, you can choose to join voluntarily. You'll get dedicated one-to-one support to rebuild your confidence and develop your professional and clinical skills through our VETGDP programme.
Watch: How VetGDP works
The Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) is designed to help you develop your professional and clinical capabilities by providing you with dedicated, one-to-one support in the workplace.
If you're a vet returning to the Register after five or more years, you must enrol onto the programme. You may be able to apply to the RCVS for exemption, for example if you have been working abroad during this period.
You must demonstrate that you can perform all activities within your role independently and confidently.
Getting started checklist
- Check your employer is VetGDP-approved
- Contact the VetGDP team to discuss your requirements
- Complete your enrolment application
- Meet your assigned VetGDP Adviser
- Set up your e-portfolio account
- Plan your development pathway with your adviser
- Begin workplace-based learning and assessment
How VetGDP will benefit you
VetGDP gives you structured, workplace-based professional development with personal support. You'll work with a trained VetGDP Adviser who understands the challenges of returning to practice.
The programme helps you:
- Build confidence in your clinical skills
- Develop professional capabilities at your own pace
- Track your progress through a structured e-portfolio
- Demonstrate competence in all areas of your role
- Work towards becoming an independent, confident vet
You should complete the programme within 18 months, but this timeline is flexible based on your circumstances and progress.
Exemptions
You may be able to apply for exemption from VetGDP if you've been working as a vet abroad during your time away from the UK Register. Contact the VetGDP Team at [email protected] to discuss your situation.
Check VetGDP exemption criteria.
Your employer must be approved to offer VetGDP before you can enrol. Check with them about their approval status or use our Find a Vet tool to locate approved practices.
Ready to get started?
Contact the VetGDP team at [email protected]. We're here to support your return to practice.
For veterinary nurses
Less than 12 months away
- Submit a simple application through My Account
- Pay the restoration fee and annual registration fee
- No additional requirements
12 months or more away
- Complete a detailed restoration application
- Provide evidence of activities during your absence
- You may need to complete a Period of Supervised Practice (PSP)
- Submit supporting documentation as required
Period of Supervised Practice (PSP)
If you’ve had an extended break from nursing practice, you may need to complete PSP. This is a workplace-based assessment with an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) supervisor.
The duration depends on how long you’ve been away and your previous experience. PSP must be completed before full restoration.
For more information view the PSP Handbook.
Leaving the profession
If you're taking a career break or leaving veterinary practice, you can ask us to remove your name from the Register. This means you won't pay annual registration fees while you're not practising.
When you're ready to return, we'll help you restore your registration and get back to practice safely.
Removing your name from the Register
You can request voluntary removal if you're not practising veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing in any capacity. This means:
- you can no longer practise or carry out veterinary-related activities in the UK,
- you’ll no longer be a member of the RCVS, and
- you won’t be able to use the initials MRCVS after your name
For vet surgeons
Apply through My Account or contact the Registration Team on 020 7202 0707.
You’ll receive an email within three working days to confirm your changes have been approved.
Important deadlines:
Apply by 30 April to avoid paying that year's registration fee
Applications after 30 April won't refund fees already paid
For vet nurses
Apply through My Account or contact the Veterinary Nursing Team on 020 7202 0788 or [email protected].
You’ll get an email within three working days to confirm your changes have been approved.
Important deadlines
Apply by 1 November to avoid paying the following year's registration fee
Applications after 1 November won't prevent the next year's fees
Need more information?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions about removal, restoration, or professional development requirements.
VetGDP enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Veterinary surgeon registration:
Phone: 020 7202 0707
Email: [email protected]
Veterinary nurse registration:
Phone: 020 7202 0788
Email: [email protected]
Useful resources
- My Account – manage your registration online
- RCVS Academy – professional development resources
- PSP Handbook – detailed guidance for veterinary nurses
- E-portfolio user guide – help with VetGDP portfolio system