Animal Welfare: The Role of Veterinary Professionals

Veterinary professionals are central to animal welfare delivery across all sectors, with their training, advocacy and clinical practice shaping welfare outcomes for billions of animals.

Key Facts

Veterinarians are legally required to prioritise animal welfare in their professional practice
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Code of Professional Conduct places welfare at its centre
Vet schools are increasingly integrating welfare science into clinical and pre-clinical training
Farm vets have particular influence over the welfare of the largest number of animals
Veterinary advocacy for welfare improvement in policy and industry is increasingly recognised as a professional responsibility

Welfare Considerations

The veterinary profession has unique credibility and responsibility in animal welfare. Vets treating individual animals affect welfare directly; those advising producers, informing policy, or educating the public affect welfare at scale. The emerging field of veterinary welfare science is providing the evidence base for welfare improvements across sectors. Strengthening welfare content in veterinary education and supporting vets to advocate for systemic welfare improvement multiplies the welfare impact of the profession.

What You Can Do

Support veterinary welfare education initiatives and continuing professional development
Engage with your vet as a welfare partner - ask welfare-relevant questions at appointments
Advocate for strong welfare provisions in the veterinary professional code
Donate to veterinary welfare research organisations