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Welcome to the veterinary client mediation service (vcms)

The Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS) is a voluntary, independent and free complaint mediation service for clients whose animals have received veterinary care and for the veterinary professionals providing that care. Using the process of mediation, VCMS offer help and guidance to resolve complaints in a fair, cost efficient manner that is unbiased and non-judgemental. VCMS works with both parties to try and reach a solution that is acceptable to both the client and veterinary professional. The service is funded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons which regulates all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses practising within the UK.

All veterinary practices will have their own complaints procedures to deal with concerns raised by clients. Where a complaint cannot be resolved within the practice, the VCMS is here to provide impartial mediation to help find a way forward and try to find a resolution acceptable to both. We will obtain all details of the concern and mediate with both parties to assist in finding a resolution.

The service is provided by Nockolds, who specialises in complaint mediation in regulated professions. This means it is completely impartial and each complaint is considered in a fair, timely and efficient way so that the veterinary professional and client can move on.

Latest Articles

February 10th 2025

Veterinary Client Mediation Service | CMA Working Papers published 6 Feb 2025

Following the publication by the CMA of their working papers and the external research, the VCMS will consider this next phase of the CMA investigation and emerging views in detail and respond in accordance with…
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January 22nd 2025

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud!

With the recent snow and rain soaking the ground, mud is an inevitable problem for horse owners at this time of year. Mud can also contain harmful bacteria that can cause health issues such as…
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December 16th 2024

Out of Hours Care

Christmas is the time of year to be worry free and it should be full of surprises, but we very much hope that an emergency with your pet isn’t one of them.
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Independent mediation for veterinary professionals and their clients