RCVS announces support for vets fleeing Ukraine
"We are determined to offer as much help and support as we can to our Ukrainian veteranary colleagures fleeing this crisis and seeking refuge in the UK" - Kate Richards, RCVS president.
Veterinary surgeons fleeing the situation in Ukraine and seeking refuge in the UK will have access to the RCVS financial support scheme, it has been announced.
In a statement, RCVS president Kate Richards said the fund would be immediately available for Ukrainian vets with refugee status but holding non-recognised qualifications who are looking to rebuild their lives in the UK.
The scheme enables refugee vets to take the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership for free, and provides financial support for travel and accommodation to help them attend examinations. It also includes free access to the RCVS Knowledge Library resources and complimentary membership to the BSAVA, BVA, BEVA, BCVA and the VMG.
Dr Richards said: “In recent days, we have watched the unfolding events in Ukraine in horror, shock and with tremendous sadness. We are determined to offer as much help and support as we can to our Ukrainian veterinary colleagues fleeing this crisis and seeking refuge in the UK.
"After closely monitoring the UK Government’s position on granting refugee status to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we welcome the recent expansion to its ‘Ukrainian Humanitarian Route’. The Government states this will increase the number of people from Ukraine who are eligible to come to the UK to be reunited with their families."
She added: "Our financial support scheme for refugees that we launched in 2020 and expanded last October is therefore immediately available for Ukrainian veterinary surgeons with refugee status, but holding non-recognised qualifications, who are looking for the chance to rebuild their lives and professional careers in the UK.”
Dr Richards said the RCVS has made enquiries with the Ukrainian Institute and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) to see if coordinated efforts are being planned for animals brought across the Ukrainian border into neighbouring EU countries.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare has published information for people fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Eurogroup for Animals has also published a list of organisations raising funds to support those in and around Ukraine.
The statement continued: “Having instructed our fund managers to review our investments, we can confirm that Russian-based business interests comprise less than 0.1 per cent of our investment portfolio. Nevertheless, our Finance and Resources Committee yesterday agreed to instruct our fund managers to divest the College of these interests completely at the very earliest opportunity.
“Finally, we note that the Disasters Emergency Committee – which coordinates 15 leading UK Aid Charities in times of crisis and large-scale disasters – has today launched its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to raise funds to support all those forced to flee their homes.
“We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and provide further information and assistance where we can.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
