Become a member

Who can join?

You can join BVA if you are:

• a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
• on the Supplementary Veterinary Register
• studying for a degree that will enable you to join the RCVS
• a holder of EU veterinary qualifications or those from another country accepted by RCVS
• working in a role related to the veterinary profession (Associate membership)

2020 membership fees

*Associate membership is open to non-vets, such as practice managers, veterinary nurses, and lecturers. **Concessionary rates are available for vets on a career break who are not earning from their professional qualification, those earning under £21k pa, those on parental leave, those studying full time as a post-graduate student, and those who are retired. †Joining fees can differ for students because some universities contribute to the cost of membership for their students.

How to join

The easiest way to join is to sign up online. If you prefer you can join offline you can use these application forms:

• BVA membership application form (216 KB PDF)
• BVA membership direct debit form (86 KB)

By applying for membership you're confirming that you'd like to become a member/associate member of BVA and agree to abide by the rules as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association (244 KB PDF). You're also agreeing to pay your subscription on the due date and to notify us in writing before your renewal date if you wish to cancel.

Your right to change your mind

If in the first 14 days of joining BVA you change your mind, you can cancel your membership and receive a full refund. To cancel your membership in this period you must notify us in writing. This right does not apply if you have previously been a member.

Membership cancellations and refunds

• Your membership will run for 12 months from the point of joining or renewal
• You can cancel your membership part way through the year, but no refunds will be provided unless the cancellation is within 14 days of first joining
• If you pay by installments and decide to cancel your membership part way through the year, the remaining balance will still be due
• If you don’t wish to renew your membership at the end of the 12 months, you must give us written notice before your renewal date
• If you pay by Direct Debit, your membership will automatically renew unless you give us written notice of your wish to cancel at least one month before the renewal date
• If you wish to change your membership grade you can do this from your next renewal date but not mid-way through your current membership year
• If you have outstanding membership fees due, we reserve the right to cancel your membership and all membership benefits, including access to BVA’s legal services and eligibility for discounts with our affinity partners, including Lloyd & Whyte and Bupa.

To cancel your membership or make any changes before your renewal date, contact us in writing at BVA Membership, 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ or email membership@bva.co.uk

Claim tax back on your membership fee

BVA is an HMRC 'approved body' so your BVA membership can be offset as an allowable expense against professionally earned income.

A higher rate tax payer could save more than £100 against the annual subscription and a basic rate tax payer over £50.

• Self-employed people and locums
  If you're self-employed or a locum you can deduct your membership fees as an allowable expense before calculating your taxable profits.
• Employers and employees
  If you pay your own BVA membership subscription you can claim the tax back on your annual tax form.

If a practice pays your membership on your behalf the practice may have a dispensation with HMRC so that you won't be taxed. Alternatively, the practice will include these fees on your annual P11D tax form - then you claim the tax back on your annual tax return.

Claim form to send to HMRC

Group membership

An employer may take out a group membership for its veterinary staff. All veterinary medicine degree holders employed by the employer must be included, but support staff are optional. The entry price for a group membership is £920. For groups with more than 5 members there is a price per head of £184 for up to 25 vets. For additional members 26 to 50, the price is reduced to £154. For additional members 51+ the price is further reduced to £121.

If the employer hires new employees after the group membership has started, they may be added to the group membership free of charge. If an employee leaves the employer, they will be removed from the group, but no refunds will be issued. At the next renewal point the employer will be invoiced for all the members currently in the group.

For more information about group membership contact the Membership team today on 020 7908 6350.