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IVC Group acquires Vets Now
Vets Now will operate as an independent part of the IVC Group.
Emergency clinics to complement referral strategy 

Independent Vet Care has announced that Vets Now is to join its group later this month.

Vets Now will operate as an independent part of the IVC Group, with the current operating board led by CEO Mark Ross. The company’s head office will remain in Dunfermline, Fife, and there will be no charge for practices using the Vets Now service.

IVC Group chief executive David Hillier said: “We are delighted that Vets Now is joining the group. It is an exceptional business with a reputation for clinical quality and a key partner to much of the profession in the UK, providing emergency services at nights, weekends and bank holidays and operating from 58 sites nationwide.

“The company’s three 24/7 emergency and specialty hospitals will also complement our inter-company referral strategy to deliver a complete veterinary care solution.”

Vets Now chief executive Mark Ross added: “IVC is an exceptionally good fit for us. They have a reputation for allowing vet businesses to get on with what they do best and, importantly we will continue to operate autonomously.

“Our focus will be to continue providing the same great partnerships with all the UK independent veterinary practices and corporate groups we work with today.”

He added: “Our business has gone from strength-to-strength in a relatively short period of time, which is testament to our incredible team of over 1000 staff working up and down the country, caring for pets at the time they need it most. We’re looking forward to continuing our high levels of service and continuing to expand and evolve our business.”

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.