BVA/RCVS report shows high level of public trust in vets

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have commissioned an opinion poll showing the high levels of trust that the UK public places in the veterinary industry.

Commissioned as part of the organisations' Vet Futures project, the ICM poll of more than 2,000 members of the public found that 94 percent of the general public trusts the veterinary profession generally or completely.

This puts vets above GPs, dentists and headteachers in terms of how well the key professions are trusted in Britain, coming in just behind opticians and pharmacists to come third overall.

Moreover, 78 percent of people using veterinary services are satisfied or very satisfied with the level of service they receive, while 70 percent rate the value for money offered by vet practices as fair, good or excellent.

John Blackwell, president of the BVA, said: "Vets should be proud to be part of one of the most trusted professions in Britain."

The Vet Futures project aims to identify key issues and priorities for the sector in order to ensure that standards can be maintained and improved.