Veterinary surgeons act 1966

Acupuncture is considered an act of veterinary surgery due to the involvement of needles and it being an invasive procedure. Only registered veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses under direction of the vet are allowed to perform acupuncture. A person unqualified carrying out acupuncture is commuting a criminal offence under this act (Gov.UK, 1966)

Veterinary professional regulation

The royal college of veterinary surgeons (RCVS) limit who can diagnose, prescribe and treat health problems , treating outside RCVS is prohibited.

Complementary Therapies Guidance

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) advise acupuncture should only be used after a veterinary assessment and diagnosis and used as a complementary treatment. Owners should also be advised on the evidence, benefits and risks to be able to make an informed decision. Practitioners must also have appropriate professional indemnity and liability insurance to cover them for adverse effects on the dog (BSVA,2013). British Veterinary Opinion (BVA) and (BSAVA) advise that complementary therapies must not replace evidence-based medicine, must be safe and not compromise animal welfare and vets need to disclose the quality of evidence and safety concerns to ownerS (BSVA, 2013)