07/10/2026
This is an important development in the UK.
Defra’s White Paper is a positive development for allied animal health professionals because it recognizes that modern animal care is delivered by a broader veterinary team and proposes statutory regulation, protected titles, and a licence-to-practise model that may allow appropriately qualified allied professionals to perform defined activities within a clearer, more accountable framework. The strongest public-interest rationale is that enabling licensed allied professionals to undertake appropriate activities could improve animal health and welfare, public health, food security, and biosecurity, while maintaining public confidence through regulation and oversight.
Today, Defra published its White Paper, "Our Vision for a Thriving Veterinary Sector", outlining plans to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act and the future regulation of the veterinary sector.
This is a landmark moment for Allied Veterinary Professionals.
After more than a decade of advocacy, we're pleased to see the Government recognise AVPs as an essential part of the veterinary workforce, with future legislation expected to support additional professions within the regulatory framework.
The proposals also signal a move towards autonomous professional practice, enabling regulated AVPs to work within their own defined scope of practice, supported by professional regulation and accountability.
While there's still work ahead, the direction is clear: AVPs have moved from the margins of veterinary legislation into the Government's vision for the future veterinary workforce.
Thank you to everyone who has supported AHPR on this journey.
📢 What this could mean for AVPs 📢
✅ Official recognition of AVPs as part of the future veterinary workforce.
✅Recognition of the veterinary team model, not a vet-only model of care.
✅Autonomous practice within a defined professional scope, rather than reliance on delegated authority alone.
✅Clearer scopes of practice, giving greater certainty to professionals, employers, vets and animal owners.
✅Professional licensing and accountability, bringing AVPs closer to parity of professional recognition within the regulatory system.
✅A pathway towards statutory regulation through the new legislative framework proposed by the Government.
✅Greater public confidence and understanding of the role of regulated AVPs in delivering animal health and welfare.
Bottom line: This White Paper does not deliver statutory regulation today, but it creates the strongest foundation yet for the future recognition, regulation and autonomous practice of Allied Veterinary Professionals.
The white paper can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sector
