Veterinary practice premises: temporary change of premises

In light of the enhanced precautions on social distancing we must take as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has relaxed the enforcement of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) to allow the supply of veterinary medicines by veterinary surgeons from a temporary premises when access to the Veterinary Practice Premises (VPP) registered with the RCVS is limited or no longer possible.

Wholesale dealers will be allowed to supply veterinary medicines to veterinary surgeons at such temporary premises.

This decision has immediate effect and will last until 31 August and then cease.

The VMD will not issue an improvement notice if there are breaches of the relevant provisions of Schedule 3 of the VMR during this period. For further information read the statement from the VMD (PDF, 172KB, 2 pages).

This is a temporary VMD enforcement policy in relation to specific obligations under the VMR only. The VMR continue to apply. The VMD may continue to take action to enforce those obligations in cases where the procedures described in the attached statement are not followed.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have issued guidance for veterinary professionals on how to continue to undertake veterinary work.

Further information is available on the RCVS website in respect of Controlled Drugs Guidance