Do UK Vets Have Enough Time to Keep Learning? 

Photo by Werzk Luuuuuuu on Unsplash

Veterinary professionals in the UK are expected to complete a minimum of 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year. But ask most vets whether they genuinely have the time and headspace to stay on top of their learning, and the answer is often a reluctant “no.”

The reality of practice

Across the UK, veterinary teams are stretched. Long hours, increasing caseloads, workforce shortages, and high client expectations are now part of the day-to-day reality. In this environment, CPD — though recognised as essential — is frequently pushed to the margins.

Learning happens during evenings, weekends, or rare quiet moments between consults. And while the rise of on-demand online CPD has made it more accessible than ever, time remains the most significant barrier to meaningful engagement with professional development.

The hidden costs of underinvesting in learning

When CPD becomes an afterthought, everyone loses:

• Veterinary professionals miss opportunities to update skills, stay current with best practices, and explore new areas of interest — contributing to burnout and stagnation.
• Practices risk clinical errors, inefficiencies, and staff dissatisfaction.
• Patients and clients may not benefit from the latest advancements in care.

In short, when there’s no time to learn, quality suffers.

Shifting the culture: CPD as an investment, not a tick-box

If we want vets to thrive — not just survive — in practice, we need a cultural and structural shift.

That starts with protecting learning time. Just as we schedule clinics, surgeries, and staff meetings, CPD should be part of the routine rhythm of practice. Not an add-on. Not an after-hours burden. But a recognised part of professional life.

This could look like:

• Allocated learning hours in the working week
• Team-based CPD sessions integrated into rotas
• Mentoring and peer learning initiatives
• Microlearning embedded into daily workflows

A shared responsibility

Creating space for learning isn’t just down to individuals — it requires support from practice leaders, employers, and professional bodies. But the payoff is worth it: more confident, competent, and motivated teams delivering better care. Veterinary professionals are committed to lifelong learning. The question is: will they get the time they need to do it well?