PO “SVBO”officially became an observer member of the UEVP (Union of European Veterinary Practitioners).

WONDERFUL NEWS: The Ukrainian veterinary community is gradually entering the European professional space.

What happened in Cyprus at the General Assembly of the Federation of Veterinary Surgeons of Europe - and why is it important for every pet owner in Ukraine?

On November 13, 2025, at the UEVP General Assembly in Limassol, the Ukrainian "Society of Veterinary Business Owners" officially became an observer member of the UEVP (Union of European Veterinary Practitioners).

This is observer status, but within the European family of practicing veterinarians - an important step after reviewing the statute towards full membership.

What does the future status of full membership mean for veterinarians in Ukraine?

1. The European voice of the profession in the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission. Through the UEVP and FVE, Ukrainian veterinarians are given the opportunity to influence:

• animal welfare standards;
• rules for the responsible use of antibiotics;
• decent conditions for the movement of animals within the EU, after identification and vaccination;
• ethical principles and standards for the organization of veterinary practice....

2. Access to modern standards and knowledge:

• European recommendations, protocols, codes of professional conduct;
• guidelines for continuous professional development (CPD);
• the ability to adapt these standards to Ukrainian realities (clinics near the front, de-occupied territories, work with displaced people and animals).

3. Participation in working groups and projects. Ukrainian specialists can join:

• FVE working groups (animal welfare, medicines, food safety, sustainability, One Health);
• joint initiatives with FECAVA, FEEVA, laboratory and other European associations;
• international research and analytical projects, where for the first time Ukrainian experience of work in wartime is systematically taken into account.

4. Opportunities for development and international cooperation. This opens the door to:

• European congresses, webinars and training programs;
• exchanges and partnerships between clinics, laboratories, universities;
• involvement of Ukraine in One Health projects and initiatives to strengthen the veterinary service.

What does this mean in the future for pet owners and citizens of Ukraine?

Better and safer veterinary care. European standards in the Ukrainian context mean:

• transparent treatment and prevention protocols;
• modern and advanced approaches to anesthesia, surgery, and pain relief;
• greater emphasis on animal welfare, not just on “alleviating symptoms.”

Protecting human health through One Health. Veterinarians are not only “about animals”, but also about:

• control of zoonoses (rabies, leptospirosis, influenza, foodborne infections);
• safety of milk, meat, eggs and other products;
• reduction of risks of antibiotic resistance through rational use of medicines.

That is, Ukraine's membership in European veterinary structures is a contribution to the health of the entire nation. Better animal protection and responsible ownership.

European documents and campaigns that Ukraine joins concern:

• responsible breeding (without harmful extreme breed traits);
• combating illegal animal trafficking;
• humane treatment of stray animals;
• developing a culture of responsible ownership.

Why is this important right now?

Ukrainian veterinarians work:

• 25–50 km from the front line;
• in frontline communities, where the veterinarian is often the only barrier between epidemics among animals and risks to humans;
• in conditions of mass migration of people and animals.

Thanks to the members and board of the PO “Society of Veterinary Business Owners”(special thanks), who have taken on the role of advocates for the profession at the European level, and thanks to strong public statements and communication of the Ukrainian position, Ukraine is gradually becoming a visible partner in the European veterinary family.

For doctors, this means new opportunities, recognition and support. For pet owners and society, it means more quality, safety and respect for animal life.

I would like to warmly thank:

• UEVP President Dr Volker Moser, who supports us and recommended SVBO for closer cooperation with FECAVA, and the entire UEVP team for their trust in the Ukrainian veterinary community and for voting to welcome SVBO into such a strong European family of practising veterinarians. In particular, UEVP Vice President Giovanbattista Guadagnini, who not only had the courage to personally visit Ukraine, but also continues to share honest and very practical advice on how we can develop further.

• Our warm thanks also to the team of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), in particular: Dr Siegfried Moder, Dr Piotr Kwiecinski, and Dr Nancy De Briyne for their steady support.

• FECAVA President Dr Ann Criel, Danny Holmes, and the whole FECAVA team, including Ulrike Tewes, for strong recommendations, decisive actions “to win on all fronts”, and for standing by Ukraine during very difficult moments.

• Our colleagues from the United States – AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) CEO Dr Janet Donlin, AVMA President Dr Michael Bailey, and Dr Beth Sabin, whose support for Ukraine has been truly continuous, regardless of who is in political power. This is a powerful example of genuine “veterinary democracy” in action.

• WVA President Dr John de Jong – for his charisma and his tireless work in promoting the values of veterinary medicine worldwide.

• Dr Rafael Laguens – Past President of FVE and WVA – who believed in us early on, came to Ukraine, saw the consequences of war with his own eyes, and continues to offer guidance with the wisdom and warmth of a trusted family mentor.

• Past FVE President Dr Rens van Dobbenburgh – for his consistent support of Ukraine within the wider European veterinary community.

• Our German colleagues Heiko Färber, Petra Sindern and the GIZ team – for backing digital reforms in the Ukrainian veterinary system. This is the “invisible front” without which modernisation simply cannot happen.

• Our colleagues from Cyprus – Nektaria Ioannou Arsenoglou and Demetris Epaminondas – for the truly warm and heartfelt atmosphere at the FVE & UEVP General Assembly. The way you welcomed the Ukrainian delegation is something we will not forget.

  On behalf of SOCIETY OF VETERINARY BUSINESS OWNERS (SVBO), thank you to everyone who voted in favour, who supports reform, and who helps to make the Ukrainian veterinary voice heard across Europe.

Let's not stop! Let's move on…

Sincerely, Head of the Non-profit Organizations «Society of Veterinary Business Owners» Andrii Klietsov