The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

As a statutory regulator we are responsible under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for keeping the register of veterinary surgeons eligible to practise in the UK, setting standards for veterinary education and regulating the professional conduct of veterinary surgeons.

We also exercise powers under our Royal Charter to award Fellowships, Diplomas and Certificates to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and others. You can find out more about this under our Royal Charter and legislation section.

RCVS Knowledge is a separate charity established to promote and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine, by providing the RCVS Library and Information Service and a range of grants largely to support educational and research activities.

History
The RCVS was established in 1844 by Royal Charter (visit the RCVS Knowledge website to see The history of the RCVS) to be the governing body of the veterinary profession. Our statutory duties are currently laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

We safeguard the interests of the public and animals by ensuring that only those registered with us can carry out acts of veterinary surgery.