BVNA releases 'Protect the Title' survey results
Ninety-one per cent of the public surveyed assumed that someone calling themselves a 'veterinary nurse' is fully qualified.
Following the release of preliminary findings from its ‘Protect the Title' surveys, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has now released a report which details the results.
The results show that almost half (48 per cent) of the veterinary professionals surveyed were aware of someone using the ‘veterinary nurse’ title in practice, who is not registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The results also show that 91 per cent of the public surveyed assumed that someone calling themselves a ‘veterinary nurse’ is fully qualified and regulated by a professional body, and the majority (92 per cent) feel that it is important that their pet is cared for by a fully qualified RVN.
The surveys took place between 26 September and 31 December 2022. The respondents included 8,302 members of the veterinary profession, and 3,926 members of the public. The surveys sought to gather information about the understanding and feelings in respect of the statutory protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title.
BVNA president Charlotte Pace said: “It is vital that we keep up the pressure to get our title protected, and make not only the wider public, but also the government realise how important this issue is. Pet owners deserve to be assured that the people looking after their pets are fully trained and qualified, and VNs should be recognised for the hard work and training they go through to deliver expert care.”
The BVNA ‘Protect the Title’ campaign is supported by BVA and the RCVS. Statutory protection of the veterinary nurse title has been recommended to the Government, following the work of the RCVS Legislation Working Party (LWP).
BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “What BVNA’s survey particularly highlights is a lack of awareness amongst pet owners that any unqualified person can use the title veterinary nurse while working in practice. This is concerning and demonstrates the importance and need for it to be protected to help uphold client trust as well as ensure high standards of care and animal welfare.
“The title and those who hold it deserve respect and the security of knowing it is protected and BVA will continue to support and engage with BVNA’s fight for this formal recognition. However, there’s no need for vet practices to wait, they can start to have these conversations with their teams today and put in place the changes needed.”
BVNA has said that it will continue its campaign, and is actively working to increase public awareness of the issue. It also says that there is an opportunity at practice level to ensure that staff are referred to and titled appropriately to uphold animal welfare and client trust.
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. 
