Improvements to annual process have simplified communications.
The number of veterinary nurses being removed from the RCVS Register for non-payment of their annual renewal fee has fallen to its lowest since 2020.
This year, 331 veterinary nurses were removed from the register (1.3 per cent of RVNS) compared to 415 at the beginning of 2024 (1.8 per cent) and 328 (1.49 per cent) in 2023.
It comes after the College moved to an online-only system in 2020, and began emailing veterinary nurses about the process, instead of sending them letters and renewal forms by post.
RCVS head of registration Nicola South said: “We are glad to see only a very small proportion of veterinary nurses were removed from the Register this year and this is largely down to improved and simplified communications, including the use of text message reminders which can be more effective in terms of ensuring renewal completion and providing answers to frequently asked registration questions on our website.
“For the past few years, we have also improved our annual renewal process by working with some of the larger veterinary employers to ensure that all their employees’ details are recorded centrally which makes the process of renewing their registration in bulk much easier. Making every employee aware that their employer will be paying the fee, again, makes the process much smoother as fewer communications need to be sent.
She added: “Of course, we are never resting on our laurels and will continue to work to improve the annual renewal process for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses so we welcome any constructive feedback about how we can do better.”
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. 
