ABSTRACT: Pet ownership is becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. With technological advancement and use of the Internet, pet owners have greater access to veterinary knowledge and as a result have higher expectations of the veterinary services that should be provided for their pets. However, the development of veterinary nursing in Hong Kong is widely considered as stagnant when compared with other advanced societies. Together with the increased awareness on the issues of animal welfare, a growing voice for the professionalization of veterinary nursing in Hong Kong has been noted. This article attempts to discuss the professionalization of veterinary nursing in Hong Kong with respect to professional attributes, statutory regulation and continuous professional development (CPD).

The veterinary nursing sector is striving for greater professionalism and recognition worldwide. In Europe, veterinary nurses have become increasingly recognized and respected in recent years, whereas the Hong Kong veterinary nursing sector is still in its early stages. The success of the European veterinary nursing industry may mirror the development pathway of Hong Kong veterinary nurses in the future.

Author

Ivan Cheung BSc(Hons)

Ivan has recently graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University with the first cohort of BSc(Hons) veterinary nursing students. During the four years of study, he had placements in a number of different sectors, including private veterinary hospitals, charity organisations, rescue shelters, laboratories, a theme park, a riding school and a government department, to explore the animal industry in Hong Kong. As a result he believes that the professionalisation of veterinary nurses is essential to uphold animal welfare. Since graduation, Ivan has started working at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, in the Equine Hospital, as a Veterinary Clinical Technician.

Keywords: Features, Animal welfare, Professionalism

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 30 (03) • March 2015 • pp89-90

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