Modern veterinary practice operates in a world defined by rapid change. Client expectations are shifting, workforce structures are evolving and advances in technology are fundamentally reshaping how care is delivered. At the same time, veterinary businesses face economic uncertainty, tightening margins and the ongoing challenge of building sustainable, supportive workplaces.
This is not a landscape where ‘business as usual’ can thrive. The practices that will succeed in the coming years are those willing to rethink old assumptions and develop new capabilities; strategically, clinically, culturally and operationally.
Looking towards the future of the profession, one message comes through with increasing clarity – to succeed in this climate, we must be open to new ways of thinking – building sustainable business models, embracing innovation, nurturing leadership and empowering our teams. Evolution in veterinary practice isn’t just about survival, it’s about shaping a profession that remains relevant, compassionate and resilient for the future.
For veterinary leaders, the call to evolve is both a responsibility and an opportunity. And as the pressures and possibilities mount, resources that help practices navigate this evolution are becoming ever more valuable.
SPVS Congress 2026 is one such resource. Built specifically around the theme Adapt, Evolve, Succeed, the relevance of this event extends beyond its programme: it reflects a broader shift in veterinary leadership towards agility, collaborative learning and human-centred change.
A profession at a turning point
Veterinary work has always required resilience, but the pressures shaping practice today demand a different kind of adaptability. Among the forces reshaping the profession are:
- Changing client expectations
Clients increasingly expect accessible, personalised and transparent care. They want clarity, convenience, trusted guidance and digital options. Meeting those expectations requires more than good clinical care, it also encompasses strategic communication, empathetic service design and a culture where client experience is owned by every member of the practice team.
These shifts are explored in SPVS sessions such as those led by Robyn Lowe and Paul Horwood, which will consider the key changes in client expectations and behaviours that require a proactive response, exploring practical tools and strategies to adapt client communication and service delivery to strengthen client relationships, trust and long-term loyalty.
- Workforce pressures and changing career values
Recruitment and retention remain among the biggest concerns for practice leaders. Younger vets and nurses bring fresh expectations: they want psychologically safe workplaces, effective leadership, meaningful progression routes and flexible working structures that value their wellbeing. Leadership behaviours, which can often be overlooked in the busyness of everyday practice, are central to creating these environments.
Francesca Verney of Pet People will deliver a session designed to spark discussion and personal reflection on how to create a positive and high-performing veterinary workplace in her session, exploring strategies for empowering teams.
Many veterinary professionals describe the transformative impact of encountering leadership education tailored to their world:
“To be a good vet I continuously develop my clinical knowledge. To be a good leader I want to do the same. I find at some of the large congress events I can feel constantly torn between the two. At SPVS you get to really focus the mind on yourself as a leader and how you manage the practice, surrounded by others doing the same. I always come away feeling inspired.”
— Emily Bridges, Vets4Pets & SPVS Board
Leadership is no longer an optional soft skill. It is a clinical safety issue, a wellbeing issue and a business resilience issue.
- Financial stability and the need for robust business models
Economic pressure is intensifying. The possible loss of medicine sales income, inflation and increasing operational costs leave practices vulnerable unless they understand their numbers deeply and make informed strategic decisions.
Veterinary leaders often feel underprepared in financial management, not for lack of interest, but because opportunities to learn this material in a veterinary-specific context are limited. Sessions led by Pete Orpin, Simon Biles and Moore Scarrott focus on precisely this gap, offering practical methods to protect margins and plan for financial resilience.
- Digital transformation and the rise of AI
Technology is advancing faster than most practices can keep up with – and ignoring it is no longer viable. From diagnostics to workflow automation, AI is reshaping practice operations. But its value lies not in novelty, but in strategic adoption that enhances patient care, frees clinical time and reduces cognitive load for overstretched teams.
As Nico Frisiani of Lupa Pets explores in his session on working smarter with AI, digital tools now offer meaningful opportunities for improved efficiency, better scheduling, faster information access and ultimately, stronger financial performance.
The practices that thrive will be those that can assess new technologies critically, align them with their values and use them to elevate both patient care and team experience.
Developing the skills needed for tomorrow
The SPVS Congress programme is built around the priority areas that matter most to modern veterinary leaders. However, the themes it covers reflect sector-wide trends that every practice must engage with to remain sustainable.
Leadership that enables change – The ability to guide teams through uncertainty is now an essential capability. Fiona Nichol and Ami Sawran’s session on leading teams through change places emphasis on communication strategies, morale preservation and understanding the psychology of how teams respond to transition. These skills are not abstract – they directly influence retention, culture and client care.
Client experience as a business strategy – Exceptional client care is increasingly recognised as a key driver of business success. Leaders who invest in communication training, service design and team capability see measurable improvements in satisfaction, compliance and loyalty.
Evolving clinical offerings for efficiency and quality – Offering modern, efficient clinical services – supported by data, diagnostics and evolving best practice – helps practices deliver better care while strengthening financial sustainability. It’s part clinical decision-making, part strategic business thinking.
Financial confidence for veterinary leaders – Understanding financial flows, pricing and margin protection is part of running a practice responsibly. Modern leaders must be able to model scenarios, interpret financial data and communicate confidently about the business’s direction.
Harnessing technology thoughtfully – Technology alone does not solve problems, but the right technology, aligned with practice needs and supported by good leadership, can prevent burnout, increase productivity and improve client experience.
Connection, confidence and continuous learning
The veterinary sector is built on relationships – between colleagues, clients and the animals entrusted to our care. Yet many leaders find themselves isolated, juggling pressures that colleagues may not always see and feeling the weight of responsibility for their teams’ wellbeing and the business’s sustainability. This is where professional community matters.
“SPVS was the congress that first made me realise that there were people out there with the same challenges as me, luckily congregated in the place where the answers lay! It gave me a whole extension of my support system. At SPVS Congress, I feel like I’m recharging my batteries to help improve work life for myself and my team.”
— Ami Sawran, Westpoint Farm Vets & SPVS President
Structured networking, such as the Business Club Live sessions, creates space to exchange experiences, troubleshoot common problems and forge relationships that continue long after the event. The exhibition, social programme and team-friendly format make it an environment designed for learning as a collective, not just as individuals.
“SPVS Congress is my favourite Congress to attend… The best part of SPVS Congress is how it makes you feel. It’s so inclusive, and friendly and fun… I would highly recommend people to attend with several from their own veterinary team. The collaboration and team working stimulated by the content and the experience is invaluable.”
— Natalie Granger, Veterinary Surgeon & SPVS Board
Adapt, Evolve, Succeed: a collective responsibility
The veterinary profession is evolving whether we choose to or not. The question for leaders is how intentionally we will meet that evolution.
Will we adapt our leadership behaviours to meet the needs of today’s teams?
Will we redesign client experiences that match modern expectations?
Will we embrace digital tools not as threats but as enablers?
Will we build sustainable business models that protect both people and patient care?
Will we invest in ourselves as leaders with the same dedication we invest in our clinical skills?
Events like SPVS Congress exist as shared spaces for honest exploration of these questions. They provide the education, the tools, and perhaps most importantly, the community that helps leaders drive meaningful change.
As the profession continues to navigate uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the future of veterinary practice will be shaped by those who are willing to think differently, act boldly and evolve together.
SPVS Congress 2026 takes place on 26-27 February at Birmingham Hilton Metropole. Find out more about the event and programme at: https://spvs-congress.co.uk/
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