How do practices get accredited?
Practices are visited at least every four years by PSS assessors, who are experienced veterinary professionals appointed by the RCVS. The assessors can also perform spot checks more frequently which ensures that high standards are consistently met.
For each level of accreditation there are various clinical, governance and regulatory requirements as well as set standards for the practice facilities, equipment, processes and procedures. There is also a need to demonstrate the practice team’s involvement in auditing and quality improvement activities to maintain high standards of patient and client care.
What are the levels of accreditation?
Veterinary practices can be accredited at three levels for each of the types of animals that they treat.
The three main levels of accreditation that can be awarded, in order of increasing status, are Core, General Practice and Hospital, with Hospital status only being achievable for practices providing a 24-hour service on-site. Accreditation can be achieved for small animal, farm animal and/or equine practices, and practices that treat more than one of these types of animals can hold separate accreditation for each type.
At Medivet, over 60% of our practices are accredited at General Practice level or above (correct as of 14th March 2025), and with many working towards gaining higher levels at subsequent assessments. By doing so, our teams show their dedication to providing exceptional care to their patients and their owners. You may see our accredited practices displaying their accreditation certificates in their waiting rooms or using the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme logo on their websites.
If you want more information about the scheme, you can find this on the RCVS website: www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/practice-standards-scheme
