Animal Health Professions Register - AHPR

23/07/2026

Thank you to all those who attended this year's AGM. Links to the presentation and Teams recording will be sent to registrants this afternoon via email.

It has been a fantastic year for us, with several ground-breaking achievements made. It doesn't stop there either, with lots of exciting projects and opportunities in the pipeline for the coming year, which we will share with you shortly for those who could not make the AGM.

We thank all of our registrants for their ongoing support

09/07/2026

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

21/05/2026

Did you spot our recent press release in the Vet Times?

The Animal Health Professions’ Register has argued significant moves towards professional “parity” were still necessary under future governance arrangements.

20/05/2026

A constructive meeting yesterday between AHPR Chair Alex and Baroness Hayman at Defra on VSA reform.

Allied Veterinary Professionals’ (AVP) expertise was recognised, and there was clear discussion about how professions can be appropriately considered as primary legislation is developed.

AHPR is leading the way for veterinary MSK practitioners, ensuring our specialist skills and regulatory needs are fully represented.
Momentum is building, and our collective voice is being heard.

15/04/2026

Have you worked on a particularly interesting or challenging case? Encountered an unusual presentation, or achieved an outcome you’d be proud to share? We are especially interested in collaborative cases involving multiple allied professionals.

We are looking to gather and showcase a range of case studies from registrants across the field. Selected case studies will be shared with fellow registrants to support learning and professional development across the community.

If you have a case you would like to contribute, please email [email protected].

The expertise of our registrants is highly valued, and we look forward to the exchange of knowledge within our professional community.