Founded in 1957 as a professional body to serve veterinary surgeons who treat companion animals, it now has over 10,000 members, from veterinary surgeons and vet nurses to students and new graduates. The majority of its members work in practice as veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses.

Since its creation, the veterinary landscape has changed significantly, but through its work within the UK and internationally, the BSAVA has been proud to be at the forefront, driving change through innovation. Each year the BSAVA facilitates training, research, and developing policy. Each year they deliver numerous education courses, host Europe’s largest small animal Congress, and publish books, manuals, apps, and magazines designed to support the professional development of veterinary surgeons and vet nurses.

On behalf of its members, the BSAVA:

• Encourages veterinary surgeons and nurses to develop their professional skills.
• Runs numerous continuing education courses and seminars throughout the UK.
• Hosts the biggest annual small animal conference in Europe.
• Publishes books, manuals, and videos on a diversity of small animal topics.
• Publishes the monthly Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Maintains contacts with small animal practitioners through the Regional Officers, who organise local CPD meetings.
• Through its charity, PetSavers, funds clinical investigations into the diseases of companion animals
• Provides a forum for the discussion of issues of importance to veterinary surgeons and nurses in small animal practice and submits evidence on their behalf to the British Veterinary Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as well as to government departments
• Liaises with other veterinary professionals through regular meetings.
• Represents the interests of its members internationally through various European and world small animal organisations.