Coming to work in the UK

This section covers popular questions about working in the UK as an overseas veterinary surgeon

If you want to work in the UK, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) can help to make your working life that little bit easier and help ensure you quickly feel part of the UK veterinary profession.

What is the BVA?

The BVA is the national representative body for the veterinary profession with over 12,000 members.

What does the BVA do?

  • offer support to our members in their professional and personal lives by providing a number of services and benefits through our membership package
  • promotes and supports the interests of our members and help to represent the profession to the government and media

Why should I become a member?

  • support and guidance is offered  to our members, as well as a range of useful services
  • great networking opportunities are available through events such as our annual Congress
  • extra support is available for our new graduate members

What does the BVA offer in terms of advice, benefits and services?

  • exclusive member discounts on
    - veterinary training courses (CPD)
    - insurance
    - financial advice
    - private health care

  • free subscriptions to our popular journals - The Veterinary Record and In Practice - which help you to keep in touch with key veterinary issues, including; the latest techniques, issues that affect UK practice life, political, research and other UK and overseas veterinary news

  • additional support for new graduates – up to eight years qualified
    • free personal accident insurance
    • 30% discount off Improve International's one day UKcourses
    • 50% discount off RVC's interactive online lectures
    • regional meetings with other graduates
    • a comprehensive handbook offering advice about getting started in the profession
    • an online support networkunlimited access to a 24-hour legal advice line on any professional or personal issue, including your contract of employment

  • great discounts on books and other veterinary products

How do I join?

You can join using our

What is the difference between the BVA and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)?

BVA

The BVA is a professional organisation to which veterinarians belong on a voluntary basis. With over 12,000 members, the BVA has developed since it was founded in 1882 to become the acknowledged representative body of the British veterinary profession at home and overseas.

RCVS

The RCVS is the statutory body set up to administer the Veterinary Surgeons Act and is responsible for the registration, education and discipline of the profession. A person must be a member of the RCVS before he/she can practise veterinary surgery and medicine in the UK. More information