The 2010 RCVS Survey of the UK Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Professions

This report presents the results of the 2010 surveys of the Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing professions, carried out on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) by the Institute for Employment Studies.

The 2010 survey of veterinary surgeons is the fifth survey carried out by the RCVS; veterinary surgeons were also surveyed in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2006. The 2010 survey of veterinary nurses is the third survey carried out by the RCVS; veterinary nurses were also surveyed in 2003 and 2008.

Throughout this report, where possible and appropriate, results are compared with those of previous surveys. The aim of these surveys is to provide RCVS, and other interested parties, with an evidence-based view of the veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse professions, and the changes taking place within them.

This year, for the first time, veterinary professions were asked about their well-being, their rest periods and holidays, and the impact of the economic climate. These data have been analysed in detail, and provide important additional insights into the professions.