Welcome to the latest VDS Newsletter, the first in what is a special year for us. 2025 will see the VDS reach 160 years old, 160 years of dedication to the veterinary professions.

Whilst we have seen the range of services that we provide extend significantly over the years to reflect the increasing risks and complexity that our members face, our ethos and values underpinned by our mutual model remain the same and just as strong as in 1865.

At the very first meeting, our founders noted that they met ‘for the purpose of forming a society for mutual defence against unjust actions at law for alleged malpractice or occasional accidents during operations’ alongside the motto ‘Defence, not Defiance’.

Today, we see a range of risk management services including insurance, defence, advice, guidance, training, development and quality improvement built on those foundations and the foresight of our founders. It remains a privilege to play our part in protecting and supporting our members, enabling you to focus on where you make the biggest difference, animal health and welfare, and the impact that has on your communities and on a national scale.

This edition reminds our members of some of those services. As well as the usual cautionary tales, highlighting potential claims risks and themes, we share some new features from our enhanced VetSafe system, launched at the end of last year. We’ve had some great feedback so far and we are already seeing many of our members exploring the new services and resources included. Our history is closely aligned to that of Vetlife ↗ and the hugely important support that they provide, so we've shared our most recent donations to them and Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund (IVBF) ↗.

I hope that you find this edition useful and informative. Thanks for placing your ongoing trust in us and being part of our history.

Kind regards,

Raman Sankaran, Chief Executive Officer



Cautionary Tales

Snap, Crackle and Pop

Lisa enjoyed her nurse clinics as they were a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the prep room and perpetual balancing of the controlled drugs register. She was particularly proud of her record... | 3.5 min read

Just the ticket

It had been a great College reunion weekend so far. Thirty years had flown by and despite a few receding hairlines, several expanding waistlines, one or two “lost to follow-up” and one whose escapades... | 2.5 min read

Black sheep

Ted’s early morning reverie was rudely interrupted by a large black Range Rover bearing down on him as he swung into the practice car park. Ted stamped on his brakes, causing the usual vet car flotsam... | 3 min read

Too hot to handle

Gavin’s attention drifted somewhat as a shard of Spring sunshine refracted through the tiny consulting room window, an architect’s lamentable nod to allowing a token shaft of natural light... | 3.5 min read

Articles and Updates

VetSafe - New Look, New Features, New Home

We're excited to announce that VetSafe has moved to a brand-new platform and is now live! Find out what this means for you and what VetSafe can do for you and your team... | 1 min read

Have Your Say at the 2025 AGM

As a mutual, we exist solely for the benefit of our members - and you can have a direct say in how we run the Society. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is your opportunity to influence our plans and activities... | 1 min read

Q&A: Can RVNs be VDS members?

Are you an RVN with your own VDS Policy, or are you named on your practice’s VDS Policy? If so, you are a VDS member and can make use of your member benefits! | 1 min read

VDS Training - What's coming up?

VDS Training offers practical courses and resources for all employees of veterinary practices. Check out some of our upcoming CPD courses here! | 30 sec read

Building Great Workplaces: Free Webinar Series from BVA and VDS Training

BVA and VDS Training have teamed up to bring you Building Great Workplaces: Practical Tips for Veterinary Teams - a series of free 50-minute lunchtime webinars designed to support your team... | 1 min read

VDS Recent Graduate Event 2026

Register your interest today to receive updates, event details, and reminders about the event. Don’t miss out on this chance to invest in your career, build your confidence, and share experiences... | 1 min read

Supporting Our Veterinary Community: A Longstanding Partnership

The VDS has a proud and enduring history of benevolence, dating back to the formation of the Veterinary Mutual Defence Society in 1865. From its earliest days, the VDS recognised the importance of... | 1 min read