Why off-site uniform use is back under scrutiny in vet practice

Veterinary teams should think twice before wearing clinical uniforms beyond the practice, according to a Vet Times commentary that frames off-site uniform use as both an infection-control risk and a professionalism issue. The piece argues that changing in and out of workwear on-site should be part of a broader, multimodal infection-control approach, echoing older Vet Times reporting on practice hygiene and aligning with external guidance from BSAVA and other infection-prevention resources that dedicated clinical attire shouldn’t be worn in public settings. BSAVA has previously advised practices to change into and out of uniforms on-site and wash them on-site, while a widely used small animal infection-prevention guide says scrubs, lab coats, and other dedicated hospital attire should not be worn outside the work environment. (bsava.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the issue goes beyond appearances. Uniforms can become vectors for pathogens, especially in busy clinics with high patient throughput, zoonotic risk, and antimicrobial-resistance concerns. Recent BSAVA-backed guidance on Brucella canis has also underscored that practices should already have routine controls in place to prevent staff exposure to zoonotic pathogens, even before a known high-risk case appears. A stricter uniform policy, paired with hand hygiene, PPE use, and laundering protocols, can help practices reduce cross-contamination risk, protect staff and pet parents, and show clients that infection prevention is being taken seriously. (bsava.com)

What to watch: Expect more practices to revisit dress-code, laundering, and changing-room policies as infection-control expectations tighten around zoonoses and antimicrobial stewardship. (bsava.com)