Tomorrow, on 1st May 2026, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) opens its annual Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) campaign.

Adopting a theme of ‘Compassion and Empathy’ in 2026, the purpose of VNAM is to raise awareness of the veterinary nursing profession to the public and animal caregivers, by:

  • Championing the varied and skilled work that veterinary nurses undertake every day
  • Highlighting the vital role of veterinary nurses in advocating for animal welfare, along with promoting public health
  • Showcasing the diversity of backgrounds and career paths within the veterinary nursing profession
  • Raising awareness of why the ‘veterinary nurse’ title must be protected in law

In order to spread this message as far as possible, BVNA invites every member of the veterinary profession, alongside the public, to back the campaign and drive awareness of #WhatVNsDo.

More information about this year’s VNAM, including resources to encourage individuals and practice teams to get involved, can be on the BVNA website.

VNAM 2026 nominations – ‘Unsung Heroes’

BVNA is currently inviting nominations from veterinary clients and colleagues to recognise “Unsung Heroes”, whether individual registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), student veterinary nurses (SVNs), or veterinary nursing teams. Much of veterinary nurses’ compassionate, skilled and dedicated care for patients, clients and colleagues goes on behind the scenes and out of sight of the public. These nominations are an opportunity to provide the recognition and platform that veterinary nurses deserve.

One winner and runner-up will be selected from both individual and team entries, winning a prize worth up to £250.

More information about the ‘Unsung Heroes’ nominations can be found here.

Message from BVNA President, Sarah Holliday:

“As BVNA launches this year’s VNAM, I am looking forward to seeing all the creative ways that BVNA members and the wider veterinary profession are showcasing veterinary nursing to the public this month. Veterinary nurses are powerful advocates for animal welfare, and ours is a profession that truly cares – whether for our patients, clients, or the colleagues around us. I hope that the entire profession can use this month to celebrate the recognition of veterinary nurses’ important role in animal welfare, public health, and in society.

“At BVNA, we encourage the whole veterinary profession to get behind the VNAM campaign. Whether educating pet owners, sharing BVNA’s social media posts throughout May, or submitting a nomination of an ‘Unsung Hero’ – this all helps to raise awareness of the incredible work carried out by veterinary nurses every day.”

The VNAM campaign can be followed on BVNA social media and via the hashtags; #VNAM2026 #WhatVNsDo #CompassionAndEmpathy.