Educating the public on what it means to be a vet and vet nurse at Countryfile Live

This week we will be chatting to the public about what it means to be a veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse when we return to BBC Countryfile Live in Oxfordshire next week.

The event takes place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 August 2017 at Blenheim Palace and is an offshoot of the popular BBC One television programme about rural and environmental issues.

At the show, which was held for the first time in 2016, we will once again be opposite the Dog Arena and our stand will be transformed into a make-believe veterinary practice, with lots of fun activities for grown-ups and children alike.

To promote and encourage veterinary careers, budding veterinary surgeons will be able to carry out make-believe surgery on a number of poorly (stuffed) animals, and veterinary nurses of tomorrow will be able to practise their bandaging skills on cuddly (toy) dog with sore paws.

There will also be a game – ‘Who’s who in your vet practice?’ - to help explain to show-goers the different roles within a typical veterinary practice team, including animal care assistants, veterinary nurses, Advanced Pracitioner and RCVS Specialists. A lovely hamper full of Great British foods will be up for grabs for all those who match all five veterinary roles!

Our team will also be on hand to talk about the Practice Standards Scheme, a voluntary initiative in which veterinary practices can choose to apply for RCVS accreditation in order to demonstrate to the public that they meet certain standards, and our Find a Vet search tool – the go-to place online for information about veterinary practices anywhere in the UK.

Ian Holloway, our Head of Communications, explains: “The Find a Vet search tool allows animal owners to find the veterinary practice, and veterinary team, that’s right for them. Whether you have a chameleon or a parakeet, need a practice that’s open all weekend or that’s achieved awards, or need to find an RCVS Specialist, Find a Vet is the place to search. Do come to visit our stand, if only to take a silly photo of your friends and family behind our Find A Vet photo board!

“We’re really looking forward to meeting everyone and explaining how we work to safeguard and improve animal health and welfare whilst having some fun along the way with our games and giveaways.”