New study reveals need for cultural change and increased safety focus in companion animal veterinary practices
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A major new study, led by Dr. John Tulloch at the University of Liverpool and in collaboration with CVS, has revealed the significant scale and complexity of work-related injuries in UK companion animal veterinary practices.

Funded by a CVS research grant, the study is one of the largest of its kind and highlights a need for improved safety protocols and cultural change across the veterinary profession.

The research surveyed 647 UK-based employees of CVS’ companion animal practices between December 2022 and March 2023. Participants included veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, patient care assistants, receptionists and administrative staff.

The survey explored injury prevalence, the context in which injuries occurred, and the behaviours of injured persons, offering a comprehensive picture of occupational health in companion animal practice.

Over 77% of respondents reported experiencing a work-related injury at any point during their career. Injury rates were highest among veterinary surgeons (58.3% injured in the last year) and veterinary nurses (60.2%). Most injuries occurred in clinical areas such as consulting rooms, prep areas, and wards.

Predictably, by the nature of the profession, animal-related injuries were the most common, particularly involving cats and dogs during restraint or clinical procedures. However, around half of injuries to receptionists and administrators involved animals, primarily restraint of the animal highlighting the multi-faceted nature of these roles. Clinical examinations were the most common activity occurring at the point of injury for vets. And another common situation for vet and nurse injuries were when animals were recovering from anaesthesia. Nearly 10% of all injuries in this study were needlestick-related, often linked to handling practices.

The study also uncovered a strong culture of presenteeism, where staff continue to work despite injury, often due to fear of letting colleagues down or their dedication to their patients. Between 16 and 23% of staff attended hospital for their most recent injury, more than a quarter of staff needed more than seven days to physically recover from their injury.  Despite this fewer than 14% of respondents took more than seven days off work.

When outlining reasons for the injury occurring, particularly during animal restraint, participants attributed their injury on a colleague’s actions or a miscommunication. In comparison to this, around half of respondents said they would not change their behaviour if faced with the same situation again, even after being injured. Thematic analysis revealed a weak safety culture, particularly among veterinary surgeons, who were the least likely to report injuries. Many viewed injuries as inevitable or not worth reporting.

Dr. Tulloch, a veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Liverpool, said:

This research highlights the everyday risks faced by veterinary professionals, particularly those in companion animal practice. While many injuries are accepted as part of the job, our findings show that many are preventable with the right training, equipment, and safety culture. Our study calls for a shift toward a positive safety culture, built on open reporting, shared responsibility, and reflective learning. It highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas such as animal restraint, anaesthetic recovery, and sharps handling. Achieving this safety culture shift requires strong organisational leadership across the profession and a commitment to fostering a work environment where all staff feel they speak openly and take accountability for workplace safety.
Imogen Schofield, Director of Clinical Research at CVS, commented:
We are committed to improving the safety and wellbeing of our teams. This research provides valuable insights that will help us shape better training, clearer policies, and a stronger culture of safety across our practices. John’s work has really fueled work across our company. As a result of the research, CVS has set up a working group looking at how we can reduce the top causes of accidents and improve the under-reporting figure. We are also looking at how we can use information held within our practice management system to understand more fully rates of accident per consult numbers or numbers of needlestick injuries per injections given.

The full findings of the research will be shared with the wider veterinary community to support industry-wide improvements in occupational health and safety.

CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine and laboratories, with over 500 veterinary practices and referral centres in the UK and Australia. CVS has invested £122 million in its sites, facilities, equipment and technology since the start of 2023, in addition to providing industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals.

For more information about the project or to express interest in collaboration, please contact Imogen Schofield. You can find out more about applying for one of CVS’ awards and further details about eligibility via our CVS Research Grants page or get in touch via email.