The Association of Veterinary Students [AVS] (UK & Ireland)

It was a pleasure to welcome the new 2026-27 AVS Committee at BVA HQ in London this past weekend.

The meeting marked the first opportunity for the newly appointed committee to come together in person, providing a valuable platform to establish priorities, strengthen collaboration and set direction for the year ahead.

We are excited for the year ahead as we continue our work representing and supporting veterinary students across the UK and Ireland.

🚨VET STUDENTS: THE FUTURE OF YOUR PROFESSION IS BEING REWRITTEN 🚨

The DEFRA Consultation on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act closes Wednesday 25th March.

This is a rare chance for future vets to shape the profession you are about to enter.

From how the profession is regulated, to how veterinary teams work together, these reforms could influence:

• Your future career pathways
• The role of the wider veterinary team
• Professional standards and regulation

As a veterinary student, this is your moment to speak up! Policymakers need to hear from the next generation of vets and your perspective could help shape the future of veterinary medicine in the UK.

The consultation only takes a short time to respond and can be found here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/reform-of-the-veterinary-surgeons-act/consultation/

‼️AVS Election Results 2026‼️

Thank you to everyone who applied

AVS Congress 2026 at Harper and Keele Vet School 📸🐾

What a weekend. The photos speak for themselves, lectures, networking, socials and a lot of tired but very happy vet students by the end of it.

Thank you to everyone who came and made it a great weekend!

If you missed it this time, look out for Congress 2027. It only gets bigger 🚀

Visit for the full set of photos!

Everyone at the Association of Vet Students was relieved yesterday to hear that our wonderful colleagues at Cambridge Vet School are safe from closure, and that the course is intended to continue for the foreseeable future.
Our Cambridge members are a valuable part of our team and the future would not have been the same without them in it - we are so proud of all the hard work that went into protesting the University’s recommendation and showing how strong we are united.
Congratulations all Cambridge Vet School students and staff, enjoy your success and be proud of everything you have achieved!
veterinary.school.hosp

Voting now open for the AVS elections 2026! Look at the amazing candidates we have then head over to our story or bio for the link to vote!!

Thank you to everyone who came to the rally yesterday in Cambridge, including .veterinary.school.hosp and so many more - your support is invaluable and thank you for showing what the Vet School contributes to the University and the city as a whole.

It was so fantastic to see staff, students and friends of the Vet School stand together in support, and I know all the staff and students at the Vet School who were unable to make it due to their tiresome work are so grateful for your representation.

What does Cambridge vet school mean to you?

It’s time!! AVS Central Committee elections for 2026 are now open!

The following roles are open for election:
Junior Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Grants and Sponsorship Officer
Junior JAVS Editor

For more information on the roles and how to apply (find the application form here too!), visit our website at: https://www.avsukireland.co.uk/committee-elections-2026 (link is on our story!)

Send your application form to us by the 6th February to not miss out and please DM us with any questions. Don’t be afraid to apply for anything - it’s such a fantastic opportunity!!

We look forward to hearing from you!!

Reminder to get your AVS congress tickets now!!! Not long to go till one of the best nights of the vet student calendar!!

Merry Christmas from AVS 🎄

Wishing veterinary students across the UK and Ireland a restful break over the festive period. Thank you for all your support and engagement throughout the past year, and we hope you have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year ✨

STATEMENT FROM AVS

AVS stands in full support with the students at Cambridge Veterinary School regarding the recent recommendation from the University of Cambridge School of Biological Sciences to close Cambridge’s Veterinary Programme.

We encourage all our members to join supporters in protecting veterinary education - https://savethevetschool.co.uk