Pay up if you want to be a veterinarian. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons this month removed 372 veterinarians from its registry for failing to pay the annual renewal fee. Only registered veterinarians are allowed to practice in the United Kingdom. The fee ranges from $450 for active U.K. veterinarians to $75 for anyone taking at least a temporary break from practice. Late renewals carry up to a $900 surcharge. The payment deadline was April 1, but the governing organization reported that full credit was given for renewals received by May 31. Forgetful veterinarians have only themselves to blame. “Up to five reminders had been sent to veterinary surgeons since February,” the organization stated. The renewal process also requires veterinarians to confirm their completion of at least 105 continuing education hours over a three-year period. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons urged hospital administrators to check www.rcvs.org.uk/checkregister to verify that their employees are permitted to practice.
