Visitors

The hospitals are further divided into a number of services (see list below) run by a team of internationally recognised specialists along with the Senior Clinical Scholars (Residents) who are receiving advanced training in their respective disciplines.

Visiting one of our services offers a unique experience for visitors and provides the opportunity for collaboration and the development of professional relationships.

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Clinical Services Available to Visit

The following list contains all of the services who accept visitors. To apply for a place please complete and submit the application form further down the page and you will be notified shortly after whether the service is able to offer you a placement.

Visiting prerequisites

All visitors must have good English communication skills in order to visit and meet the language requirements of The University of Edinburgh. You may be asked for proof of English language ability before a position is made available.

If you wish to undertake clinical work during your visit, you must be a member of the RCVS and you must also hold professional indemnity insurance which will cover you for your entire time at the R(D)SVS. You will be asked to provide your RCVS number, insurance policy number and insurance provider details as part of your application.

If you do not hold membership of the RCVS or you do not have insurance that will cover your time here, you will still be able to visit but you will only be able to observe clinical work.

Dates

We can only accept visitors outside of University final year undergraduate term time. Before completing the application form please check the visiting period dates below. Visiting out-with these dates can be requested but is unlikely to be considered.

Visiting dates for 2025 will be published soon.

Fees

1. Weekly Fee of £275 (inclusive of £75 admin fee) for rotations for private practice residents
2. Weekly fee of £175 (inclusive of £75 admin fee) for other vet visitors

Please note that this administrative fee covers the administrative and overhead cost of a visit to the hospital. It does not provide formal teaching or practical experience. Teaching and practical experience are provided through our Continuing Professional Development courses which run through the year. Please see the link below for further details on CPD.

CPD information

Accommodation

There is no accommodation available on site for visitors. You can obtain information about local accommodation from:

Or via:

Edinburgh First

Transport

The hospital is situated about 7 miles from the centre of Edinburgh in the countryside and while there is a regular bus service during the day. Buses may be sporadic or unavailable outside peak times.

Information on transport to the campus can be found on the School’s website:

find us

If you visit us by car, please park in the Red car park to the rear of the Hospital for Small Animals. You must register your vehicle at reception on a daily basis. Anyone parking in a client space will receive a parking ticket.

Arrival

Unless alternative arrangements have been made you should arrive at the relevant hospital reception at 8.30am on your first day. 

IT access

If we have had significant advance notice of your visit and you are with us for more than a month, we may be able to provide you with a visitor swipe card, which provides ID as well as access to certain areas. In this case we may also be able to provide a visitor account to allow computer access. 

Health and Safety

If you have been successful in your application and have received your e-mail confirmation, please ensure that you read and understand all of the health and safety documents and have returned the Visitor Form that was provided to you in the e-mail.

Visitors must be clean and presentable when working in the hospital. Jeans and training shoes are not acceptable. Protective clothing will be provided as necessary.

There is a café on site which sells soup, sandwiches, salads, hot meals and drinks but feel free to bring your own lunch if you prefer.