Should veterinary staff be classed as key workers during coronavirus?

Coronavirus remains a critical global health issue, and understanding which roles are designated as key workers in the UK during such outbreaks is vital. One question many pet owners and the public continue to ask is whether veterinary staff should be classed as key workers during the coronavirus pandemic and why this matters.

What Defines a Key Worker in the UK?

Key workers, as officially defined by the UK Government during the coronavirus pandemic, are essential personnel whose roles support the continued operation of the country’s infrastructure and public health. These include healthcare staff, emergency services, food production, and certain other sectors.

While medical doctors and nurses are an obvious inclusion, the scope extends beyond human healthcare to include support roles crucial for society’s functioning.

Current Status of Veterinary Staff as Key Workers

As of mid-2025, veterinary staff are largely not classed as key workers, with some important exceptions. Farm vets and official veterinarians involved with food production and the safety of the UK’s food chain retain key worker status. This includes those working at abattoirs, livestock border controls, and meat processing facilities. Their work supports national food security and public health, maintaining a critical role in the country’s infrastructure.

However, most other veterinary professionals, particularly those providing emergency animal care outside of food supply, are not recognised officially as key workers by the government, despite veterinary professional bodies continuing to emphasise their essential services to animal welfare and zoonotic disease control.

Why Aren't All Vets Classified as Key Workers?

The UK government has tightened its key worker classifications since 2021 to limit school attendance during lockdowns and reduce virus transmission risks. The focus remains on roles critical to human health and food supply. Many veterinary professionals providing urgent animal healthcare fall outside this narrower classification to minimise risk of exposure and mixing in schools.

This approach reflects a public health balancing act in pandemic management while maintaining necessary services.

Arguments for Veterinary Staff as Key Workers

• Companionship and Mental Wellbeing: Pets provide vital emotional support for many, especially amid lockdowns and social isolation. Access to veterinary care affects owners' mental health and societal wellbeing.
• Support for British Farming and Food Supply: Skilled veterinary care is fundamental to animal health on farms, playing a big role in food safety and security for the UK.
• Diagnosis and Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases: Vets help prevent diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, supporting both animal and human health.
• Disposal of Animal Bodies: Veterinary services manage the safe cremation of animal remains, which has public health implications.

Professional Bodies’ Position

Organisations like the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) continue to advocate for broader recognition of vets' critical roles beyond just food supply, emphasising animal welfare and public health protection, especially during pandemics.

The Importance of Responsible Veterinary Care

Respecting veterinary professionals' work and understanding their role in the community, food security, and health is essential. While not all vets are designated key workers, their contribution to animal and public health remains vital. Pet owners should support responsible veterinary care access and follow government and veterinary guidance during health emergencies.

Conclusion

In 2025, UK government guidelines classify only veterinary staff involved directly with food production and supply as key workers. The rest, including many veterinary clinicians providing emergency animal care, are not classed as key workers for purposes such as childcare and school access. This classification aims to balance pandemic control with maintaining critical infrastructure.

Understanding these distinctions helps pet owners appreciate the vital work vets do and supports responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.