Educating our future animal professionals

At Bristol Veterinary School, we are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of veterinary science, including vital experience in food safety, public health and animal welfare. The on-site abattoir is a key part of this mission, offering students hands-on learning opportunities.

We are extremely proud to be the only veterinary school in the UK to have an on-site abattoir.  Our abattoir is equipped with modern facilities that mimic those found in commercial operations. This ensures that students gain practical knowledge in a realistic environment, learning to work alongside industry professionals and applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.  Bristol Veterinary School students are joined by those from the University of Cambridge and the Royal Veterinary College to develop their skills in our unique facility.

Why an abattoir is essential in veterinary education

Veterinary professionals play a critical role in ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply chain. At Bristol Veterinary School, students gain firsthand experience in:

  • Meat inspection procedures: Learning how to assess the health of animals before and after slaughter.
  • Food hygiene and safety: Understanding the regulations and practices that keep our food safe.
  • Animal welfare: Ensuring humane handling and slaughter methods that align with ethical standards and legal requirements.

These experiences prepare our graduates to meet the highest standards in veterinary public health and food safety.  This training also provides students with a range of career opportunities in:

  • Public health and food safety
  • Meat inspection and regulatory roles
  • Research and consultancy in food production

Training and accreditation

Training in the abattoir aligns with professional accreditation requirements, ensuring that students graduate with the necessary skills to work in public health roles. All students at Bristol Veterinary School have the option to complete the Official Veterinarian (OV) qualification as part of their studies. This training is overseen by experienced staff who are experts in food safety and veterinary public health.

Find out more about the Official Veterinarian (OV) qualification

Welcoming visitors

At a time when many abattoirs are under scrutiny and closing their doors to the public, we take pride in maintaining an open and transparent operation. We welcome educational visits from sixth form students, agricultural colleges and universities, offering expert-led tours of our facility to provide insight into the processes involved in producing high-quality carcasses. These visits can be arranged for a pre-agreed fee and offer invaluable learning experiences guided by our team.  Please contact us to find out more.