What is the RCVS Practice Standard Scheme and what does it mean for me and my pet?
The Practice Standards Scheme is a voluntary initiative set up by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the main governing body for the veterinary profession in the UK. Around 65% of UK practices are currently within the scheme (as of December 2019).
It was developed to ensure that practices are maintaining the highest standards of veterinary care and there are regular checks to the practice to make sure the standards are being upheld. This in turn gives the general public peace of mind that the veterinary practice is meeting the criteria needed for inclusion in this scheme and that their animal is in the best hands.
There are different categories within the scheme, appropriate to the size of the practice and the species it treats. Molecare Pet Vets is a small animal, first-opinion veterinary practice (equivalent being a general practitioner, or GP, in human medicine) therefore we come within the category for ‘Core’ and ‘General Practice’ standards.
Every aspect of the practice is considered within the criteria for the scheme. This includes:
- Ongoing training of the staff to keep up with best practice.
- Ensuring veterinary care is available around the clock.
- Transparency in pricing structures and provision of estimates.
- Provision and maintenance of equipment.
- Hygiene and safety protocols.
- Prioritising animal welfare and best care at all times.
Knowing your veterinary practice is an RCVS Practice Standards Scheme-accredited practice should give you comfort in the knowledge that the practice undergoes an external, independent assessment regularly and has been deemed worthy of the accolade by the RCVS.
Molecare Pet Vets proudly earnt its accreditation in 2019 and will strive to maintain this accreditation and uphold the standards it represents.
For more information please follow this link to the official RCVS Practice Standards Scheme website:
https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/accredited-practices/about-the-practice-standards-scheme/