Regulation of the veterinary profession: the authorization to practice, origins, milestones, and emerging challenges

Veterinary medicine has evolved over centuries into a profession concerned not only with animal health, but also with public health, food safety, and the wellbeing of ecosystems. Its impact therefore extends beyond individual animals and their owners to society as a whole. To safeguard quality and prevent substandard care, the veterinary profession is subject to regulation. Only suitably qualified individuals are permitted to practice, with authorization systems administered either directly by governments or through professional regulatory bodies. This paper examines the development of regulation as a mechanism for maintaining and enforcing quality in veterinary services across European countries. It explores how "quality" in veterinary medicine is conceptualized and defined, and how regulatory frameworks are implemented in practice. It also highlights significant transformations in the field over recent decades. In light of these developments, the paper evaluates the extent to which regulatory bodies remain capable of fulfilling their mandates and sustaining public trust in the profession. Other regulated domains are considered only where they fall within the authority of the regulatory body-for example, when rules on animal welfare or food safety are incorporated into the profession's Code of Conduct." The paper argues that, although regulatory frameworks are designed to ensure quality, they are increasingly challenged by new developments such as changing market dynamics, corporatization, and technological change. These pressures raise important questions about their continuing effectiveness. The authors conclude that further research is needed, particularly to assess the implementation and effectiveness of professional regulation, which may lead to recommendations that could improve both the quality of veterinary services and the standing of the profession itself.