In the ever-evolving landscape of veterinary care, Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) play a vital role in animal health. Historically, the spotlight has focused on veterinarians, leaving the invaluable contributions of vet nurses largely unnoticed by the public. However, as we step into 2025, this narrative is shifting significantly, thanks to initiatives like Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Practices are increasingly utilising vet nurses in more client facing roles than ever before.

A Journey from Behind the Scenes

RVNs have long been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure smooth operations and quality care. In 2025, their roles have evolved, bringing them to the forefront of client interactions. This shift is not merely a change in job description but a well-deserved acknowledgment of the impact vet nurses have on both clients and their pets. Practices are increasingly leveraging the skills and compassion of RVNs to enhance the veterinary experience for everyone involved.

Passion and Compassion

RVNs are known for their deep passion and compassion – qualities that are now more visible in their daily interactions with clients and pets. Many practices have adopted consulting models where RVNs engage directly with clients throughout the day, building trust and rapport. These positive interactions help reduce pets’ anxiety during visits contributing to improved behaviour, training, and preventative healthcare. Clients often feel more comfortable discussing their pets’ needs with RVNs, allowing for open conversations and personalised advice to keep pets healthy and happy.

Working with RVNs to Help Every Pet Get the Best Care

Recognising the critical role RVNs play in veterinary practice, Petplan is committed to supporting them in delivering the best care possible. Petplan now offers 4 weeks free pet insurance for any dog, cat or rabbit aged between 6 to 18 months following any RVN or vet health check. This initiative allows insurance to be introduced following key moments when RVNs are interacting with pets under their care, such as six month checks, vaccinations pre-operative assessments, and weigh-ins. By facilitating these introductions, Petplan is helping ensure that pets receive comprehensive care without financial barriers, reinforcing the essential partnership between RVNs and veterinary practices.

Petplan: Supporting Veterinary Practices and Enhancing Pet Care

As Petplan approaches its 50th anniversary, it continues to play a significant role in the veterinary community, focusing on claims, cover, and partnerships with our practices. Petplan’s claims process is designed to offer an excellent experience, with a claim paid every 23 seconds and over £8 million in claims processed weekly. This reliability ensures that pets receive necessary treatments without budget constraints, providing peace of mind to both clients and veterinary professionals.

Petplan policies are designed to pay out, with over 97% of claims approved, which is critical for practices seeking claims certainty. More importantly, Petplan’s claims pricing guarantee ensures that policy costs do not increase after a claim, encouraging pet owners to seek veterinary care promptly.

Educating Clients on the Importance of Pet Insurance

Conversations about pet insurance are crucial in veterinary practices, involving receptionists, RVNs, and vets alike. Insured clients enable vet practices to focus on providing the best care without financial worry. Petplan simplifies these discussions by offering 4 weeks of free insurance and a comprehensive guide to pet insurance, helping clients understand the importance of coverage and the available options to make informed decisions.

As the field of veterinary care continues to evolve, the contributions of RVNs remain indispensable. Their evolving roles not only enhance the client experience but also contribute to the overall success of veterinary practices. The BVNA continues to champion the visibility and appreciation of RVNs, paving the way for a future where their contributions are celebrated and their potential fully realised.

Author: Petplan

Thank you to Petplan for sponsoring Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2025!

Visit our website here for more information on how you can get involved this year.

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