The professional
body for veterinary
acupuncture in the
UK.
The ABVA maintains the standards of education, ethics and practice that bring an ancient medicine into modern veterinary care — safely, and in qualified hands.
For owners
What acupuncture can help with, what happens in a session, and how to find a vet who practises it near you.
For vets
Refer a case with confidence, or add acupuncture to your own clinical toolkit through our foundation courses.
For members
Journals, the discussion forum, your directory listing, supplier discounts and reduced fees on every course.
A register you can rely on
Only veterinary surgeons may practise acupuncture on animals in the UK. Every name in our directory holds that qualification and has trained to an ABVA-recognised standard.
1983
Association founded
400+
Registered members
4
Courses this season
Upcoming courses
Equine Acupuncture Foundation Course
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough
Electroacupuncture Day
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough
ABVA Scientific Meeting 2026
BSAVA Woodrow House, Gloucester
Foundation Course, Companion Animals
Canine Partners, Loughborough
Find a registered veterinary acupuncturist
Search the ABVA directory by town or postcode.
Every listing is a qualified vet with recognised acupuncture training.
Acupuncture, explained simply
Veterinary acupuncture uses very fine needles placed at specific points on the body to support an animal’s own healing and pain relief. It is used alongside conventional veterinary care, never in place of it.
Every animal is assessed individually, and your vet will advise whether acupuncture is suitable.
What to expect
1
A full assessment
Your vet examines your animal and takes a full history first, to confirm acupuncture is appropriate alongside any other treatment.
2
Gentle treatment
Fine, single-use needles are placed at carefully chosen points. Many animals settle and relax during treatment.
3
Review and follow-up
Your vet monitors how your animal responds and adjusts the plan, with further sessions only where they are helping.