The government has not defined non-essential services and has identified some essential services.  Broad advice from government is to ‘use common sense’. The Board considers the care of sick and injured animals to be an essential service noting that failure to provide veterinary treatment when necessary is in breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (s 5).  If the Board receives any advice to the contrary we will notify the profession.

Please note, as per our previous advice regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, it may be possible to delay some routine veterinary treatments and you must implement practices to maintain health and safety at work such as social distancing.

Best wishes to all.