Future vets gather for Association of Veterinary Students Congress 2026

Veterinary students from across the UK have visited Harper & Keele Veterinary School for the Association of Veterinary Students Congress (AVS) 2026. 

A division of the British Veterinary Association, AVS is a student-run organisation dedicated to representing, supporting, and engaging veterinary students. From tackling key issues in student policy to providing career and education resources, AVS works to ensure student voices are heard. Its annual congress offers a weekend of practical sessions, social events, and a careers fair. 

This year’s two-day event welcomed more than 130 attendees, with activities taking place at the Veterinary Education Centre and Future Farm at Harper Adams University, and Twemlows Stud Farm in Shropshire. 

Streams covered small animal, exotics, farm, and equine practice, with clinical workshops, hands-on practicals, and expert-led talks in each area. 

AVS Representatives at HKVS, Lucy Rowling and Patrick Searle, organised and hosted the event. They shared some of the weekend’s highlights and their journey to vet school. 

What was your journey into veterinary medicine? 

Lucy: “Having a passion for horses led me to spending a week with a farm and equine vets for work experience back in high school. From this, I grew a passion for veterinary and knew that it was the career I wanted to pursue. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at vet school so far and am grateful to be part of a cohort from the school’s infancy.” 

Patrick: “My journey into veterinary medicine stemmed from my passion for farming at home. I was always fascinated when the farm vets would visit and this led to me gaining work experience at my local practice. The work experience cemented my interest in becoming a vet and decision to apply to vet school.  

“I am currently in my third year and my experience at HKVS has been first class. Beyond the studies themselves, meeting new people from other courses, volunteering for clubs and societies have been the highlights for me so far.” 

Tell us more about your role as an AVS representative. 

Lucy: “The role as an AVS rep includes attending meetings with other reps from different vet schools to discuss matters important to vet students, as well as helping to organise events such as sports weekend and congress.” 

Patrick: “I had little insight into the role of the AVS representatives until I became one. My understanding of the role has grown over time, and I feel it is subjective to each person. For me, it is ensuring that everyone has a voice and that they are comfortable sharing their opinion.” 

What are your highlights from Congress? 

Patrick: “Congress was a huge success, where more than 130 students visited HKVS from across the country. The highlight of the weekend for me was the tour of the pig units that we are so lucky to have on campus at Harper & Keele. This provided a real-world insight into the productive life cycle of pigs and how factors affecting efficiency and welfare can be maximised at such a high standard.” 

Lucy: “My highlight of congress this year was the dinner on the Saturday evening, everyone got to dress up and meet after their busy day.  

“Over the weekend we raised over £550 for StreetVet, a brilliant charity delivering free essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness in the UK. On Sunday, everyone at congress came together to watch a live film screening of the StreetVet documentary, it was a moving watch. If anyone doesn't already know about the work of StreetVet, please go and take a look as it is an incredible charity!” 

The weekend welcomed several speakers including Jenny Williams, Lecturer in Veterinary General Practice and Clinical Phase Lead at HKVS. Reflecting on the weekend, Jenny said:  “It was a hugely successful AVS Congress weekend, with HKVS students delivering a brilliantly organised and engaging event. Sincere thanks to our clinical partners and HKVS colleagues for their commitment and support throughout.”