In veterinary nursing, the traditional model of care has long centred around treating illness once symptoms appear. But as the profession evolves, so too does our understanding of what constitutes high-quality care. 

Increasingly, veterinary teams are embracing a ‘pet wellness’ approach - a proactive, preventative model that prioritises health maintenance across a pet’s lifespan. 

CVS’s newly launched Life Stage Assessment Clinical Improvement Project is a prime example of this shift, offering a structured framework to embed wellness into routine practice.

Understanding pet wellness

Pet wellness is more than just the absence of disease. It encompasses physical, emotional, and behavioural health, supported by regular assessments, client education, and early intervention. 

Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, wellness care aims to prevent illness, detect conditions early, and tailor healthcare to the individual needs of each pet.

This approach aligns closely with the role of veterinary nurses, who are often the first point of contact for clients and play a vital role in monitoring ongoing health, educating owners, and supporting long-term care plans.

Why shift from treatment to wellness?

The treatment model, while essential in acute cases, is inherently reactive. Pets often present with advanced disease, requiring complex and costly interventions. 

In contrast, wellness care allows veterinary teams to:

• Identify issues earlier, such as renal disease, diabetes, or neoplasia.
• Advise on preventative measures like dental hygiene, nutrition, and mobility.
• Empower owners to recognise subtle changes in behaviour or health.
• Improve long-term outcomes and reduce emergency visits. 

For veterinary nurses, this means more opportunities to build relationships with clients, deliver consistent care, and contribute meaningfully to a pet’s quality of life.

CVS’s Life Stage Assessment Framework

CVS’s Life Stage Assessment Clinical Improvement Project is designed to embed wellness into every consultation. 

It introduces a structured framework that organises a pet’s life into distinct stages - from puppyhood and kittenhood through to senior years - recognising the physiological and behavioural changes that occur over time.

Led by Tara Ryan, Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer, the project equips veterinary teams with tools to deliver individualised, age-appropriate care. Nurses are empowered to make tailored recommendations while maintaining clinical freedom in how they apply the guidelines.

The framework supports:

• Early disease detection
• Tailored healthcare planning
• Contextualised advice based on breed, lifestyle, and age
• Stronger client relationships through collaborative care
   

Resources for veterinary nurses

To support the rollout, CVS has created a comprehensive suite of resources for veterinary teams and pet owners. This includes; life stage assessment tools for cats and dogs; clinical “how-to” guides for each life stage; training programmes for vets and nurses; a dedicated hub on CVS’s Knowledge Hub learning platform; and, an online discussion forum for colleagues to share insights and collaborate.

These resources are designed to help veterinary nurses confidently deliver wellness care, engage clients in meaningful conversations, and contribute to a culture of proactive health management.

A more rewarding way to work

Beyond clinical outcomes, the wellness model offers a more rewarding experience for veterinary nurses. It fosters ongoing client relationships, encourages team collaboration, and allows nurses to see the long-term impact of their care. 

As Tara Ryan notes: “This project empowers veterinary teams to deliver consistent, individualised wellness care that supports the physical, emotional and behavioural health of pets throughout their lives.”

Conclusion

The question isn’t whether we should abandon treatment - it’s whether we can enhance it by embedding wellness into every stage of care. For veterinary nurses, the shift to a pet wellness approach offers a chance to be more proactive, more engaged, and more impactful. 

With tools like CVS’s Life Stage Assessment Framework, we’re better equipped than ever to support pets in living longer, healthier, and happier lives.