ACOVENE joins FECAVA to strengthen veterinary nursing in Europe

How can ACOVENE joining FECAVA strengthen veterinary nursing in Europe?

The Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education (ACOVENE) has become an associate member of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), creating new opportunities to strengthen collaboration between veterinary nurses, veterinarians and educators across Europe.

Announced at FECAVA’s 2026 General Assembly in Warsaw, the membership marks an important step towards bringing the veterinary nursing perspective more prominently into European discussions on companion animal health, professional education and standards of care.

Bringing veterinary nursing into European discussions

Associate membership gives ACOVENE an opportunity to contribute its expertise to FECAVA’s network and participate in discussions on clinical practice, animal welfare, education and professional standards. It also strengthens the connection between veterinary nurse education and the evolving needs of companion animal practice.

Dr Krista Arnold, who presented ACOVENE at the meeting, said: ‘Associate membership will help us bring the veterinary nursing perspective into European companion animal discussions and strengthen the connection between education and practice.’

Closer cooperation between veterinary nursing education and the wider veterinary profession can help ensure that educational standards remain relevant to clinical practice and that the contribution of veterinary nurses is recognised in discussions about the future of companion animal healthcare.

Quality education supports stronger veterinary teams

High-quality education is fundamental to developing competent veterinary nurses who can contribute confidently to patient care, support colleagues and help maintain high professional standards. ACOVENE accreditation provides a framework for assessing veterinary nursing programmes against regularly updated educational standards and competencies.

Julie Dugmore RVN, ACOVENE Chair, highlighted the importance of this work and the opportunities offered by the new partnership: ‘Accreditation helps ensure that veterinary nurses receive education that equips them to contribute confidently and competently to the veterinary team. Working more closely with FECAVA gives us an opportunity to champion quality education and the contribution of veterinary nurses to companion animal health and welfare.’

The partnership offers a platform for further collaboration on the knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours expected of veterinary nurses in modern practice.

Recognition of veterinary nurses remains essential

Education and accreditation are important foundations for a strong veterinary nursing profession, but wider professional recognition also matters. Veterinary nurses play a central role in patient care and the day-to-day functioning of veterinary practices, yet the recognition and protection of their professional title, as well as their working conditions, vary across Europe.

FECAVA President Dr Ann Criel welcomed ACOVENE’s associate membership and underlined the importance of veterinary nurses within the companion animal veterinary team. ‘Everywhere in Europe, veterinary nurses are the backbone of patient care and the glue that holds practices together. Accreditation of veterinary nurse education, as provided by ACOVENE, is vital, but so are official recognition and protection of the veterinary nurse title and better working conditions through collective labour agreements.’

Working together for the future of veterinary nursing in Europe

FECAVA represents more than 25,000 companion animal veterinarians across 39 European countries and supports their professional development and continuing education. Its network provides an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between the veterinary professions and organisations working to advance companion animal health and welfare.

Through its associate membership, ACOVENE aims to build stronger links across the veterinary team, champion high-quality veterinary nurse education and support better recognition of veterinary nurses throughout Europe. The partnership reinforces a shared interest in well-educated professionals, effective teamwork and high standards of companion animal care.

Find out more about ACOVENE accreditation, explore ACOVENE-accredited veterinary nursing programmes or discover how your institution can apply for accreditation.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that what veterinary nurses can and cannot do legally may differ per country.