Renew or update your registration
Renew or update your RCVS registration online. Guidance for vets and vet nurses on fees, deadlines, changes, removals, r...
Returning to or leaving the veterinary profession
Taking a career break or considering your return to veterinary practice? Find everything you need to know about removing your name from the Register during your time away and restoring it when you're ready to return. Discover support programmes and requirements tailored to your absence.
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Returning to the profession
If you return to the veterinary profession, you need to restore your name to the Register. Restoration requirements depend on how long you've been away and whether you've been practising elsewhere.
For veterinary surgeons
Less than 12 months away
- Simple application through MyRCVS
- Pay the restoration fee and annual registration fee
- No additional requirements
12 months or more away
- Complete a restoration application
- If not registered with a licensing authority, provide a sworn declaration of your activities during your absence
- Submit letters of good standing if you practised abroad
- Pay the restoration fee and annual registration fee
Five or more years away
If you've not been on the UK Register for five years or more, you must enrol on the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP). If your break was shorter, you can choose to join voluntarily. You'll get dedicated one-to-one support to rebuild your confidence and develop your professional and clinical skills through our VetGDP programme.
Watch: How VetGDP works
For veterinary nurses
Less than 18 months away
- Submit a simple application through MyRCVS
- Pay the registration fee and annual registration fee (nurses who applied for voluntary removal will only need to pay the restoration fee)
- Submit supporting documentation as required
18 months to five years away
- Submit a simple application through MyRCVS
- Pay the restoration fee and annual registration fee
Five years or more away
If you have had a break from the veterinary nurse register of five years or more, you will need to complete a Period of Supervised Practice (PSP). This is carried out in clinical practice with the support of a mentor.
You will automatically be enrolled on the Nurse Return course that aims to provide support and guidance for veterinary nurses returning after a break.
The PSP must be completed before your name can be restored to the Register.
For more information, view the PSP Handbook.
Leaving the profession
If you're taking a career break or leaving veterinary practice, you can ask us to remove your name from the Register. This means you won't need to pay annual registration fees while you're not practising.
When you're ready to return, we'll help you restore your registration and get back to practice safely.
Removing your name from the Register
You can request voluntary removal if you're not practising veterinary medicine or veterinary nursing in any capacity.
This means:
- you can no longer practise or carry out veterinary-related activities in the UK,
- you’ll no longer be a member of the RCVS, and
- you won’t be able to use the post-nominals MRCVS or RVN after your name
For vet surgeons
Apply through MyRCVS or contact the Registration Team on 020 7202 0707.
You’ll receive an email within three working days to confirm your changes have been approved.
Important deadlines:
- Apply by 1 April to avoid paying that year's registration fee
- Applications submitted after 1 April will not be eligible for a refund of fees already paid
For vet nurses
- Apply through MyRCVS or contact the Registration Team on 020 7202 0707
- You’ll get an email within three working days to confirm your changes have been approved
Important deadlines
- Apply by 1 November to avoid paying the following year's registration fee
- Applications submitted after 1 November will not prevent the next year’s fees from being charged
Need more information?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions about removal, restoration, or professional development requirements.
VetGDP enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse registration:
Phone: 020 7202 0707
Email: [email protected]
Useful resources
- MyRCVS – manage your registration online
- RCVS Academy – professional development resources
- PSP Handbook – detailed guidance for veterinary nurses
- E-portfolio user guide – help with VetGDP portfolio system
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