BVA Annual Report: marking a ‘year of progress’ for the profession

It’s been a year of significant progress on several key issues that have been hanging over the veterinary profession for a number of years.  

In March, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded its two-and-a-half-year investigation into the vet services market for household pets. Read about the actions we’ve taken this year to shape its final recommendations and ensure a positive and balanced outcome for vets and clients.  

There’s been a huge step forward following our ongoing calls for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) publishing a White Paper in July setting out its plans for reform. This has been a long journey, and our engagement with Defra has been central to us reaching this landmark moment that will shape the future of the profession  

Our #InSafeHands campaign continues to change the negative narratives and portrayal of vets across the media and online, which had intensified because of the CMA’s investigation. Find out how we’ve turned the dial and see how you can get involved.  

Last October, BVA’s Big Conversation, a profession-wide survey designed to understand what matters most to you, was completed by an incredible 4,000 vets. The results are already helping us to shape our policy, lobbying and campaigning priorities for the next year. It will also inform our member benefits going forward and enable us to support you better in your daily work.  

You can also find out about the wide range of member-exclusive practical support we’ve created to support you with a variety of challenges this year, including getting ready for the CMA’s final orders. Our new BVA – In Practice co-branded monthly CPD webinars draw and expand on the most popular articles from the In Practice archive. There’s also our new Artificial Intelligence resources helping you use this rapidly emerging technology in your work.  

Thank you for choosing to be part of our BVA community. We couldn’t achieve what we do without you – you make it possible. Together we are stronger.  

Read the full BVA Annual Report 2025/2026.