Andorra's Veterinarians College Registers 34 Members at First Anniversary

Andorra's Official College of Veterinarians marks first anniversary with 34 members and tributes to five pioneers

The Official College of Veterinarians of Andorra (COVA) registered 34 members—29 practising and five non-practising—during its ordinary general assembly on Wednesday, marking one year since its founding. Four additional membership applications remain pending.

The event included a symbolic tribute to five pioneers who laid the groundwork for the profession, now recognised as a public health role. They received honorary diplomas and the first college membership cards. Honourees were Casimir Arajol Farràs, who joined the Agriculture Department in 1963 after graduating in 1961 and later became its director; brothers Vicenç and Francesc Alay, instrumental in establishing Prat de la Creu Veterinary Hospital; Maria Lluïsa Roquet, the hospital's founder; and Jesús Muro, founder of the Daktari NGO supporting African clinics. Vicenç Alay and Roquet did not attend.

The 93-year-old Arajol, the most senior figure honoured, recalled his early career: lacking practical training upon graduation, he learned alongside Joan Alay while balancing clinical work and institutional duties. He described the sector's growth: "Back then we were two. Now we're over 40 or 50. It's a huge evolution." On the diploma, he added: "It's a fine reward for a lifetime's work."

COVA president Jael Pozo stressed the need to acknowledge those foundations. She highlighted progress on two legislative fronts: securing legal certainty for veterinary centres to dispense animal medicines under the pharmaceuticals law, and seeing most college proposals incorporated into the animal welfare and protection bill. COVA will join a new technical and scientific committee on welfare, including bioethics experts.

Pozo addressed ongoing staffing pressures, noting hiring hurdles from housing shortages and language requirements, though less severe than in human medicine. New clinics have boosted pet care access, and the college is working with Interior, Health, and Environment ministries to draw skilled professionals. No formal study exists on future needs amid growing pet ownership. She flagged concerns over the association agreement, impacting 70% of veterinary issues like professional access, hiring, centres, and drugs, to be discussed at a meeting next month.

Future plans include strengthening ties with neighbouring colleges, launching online registration, and creating a job exchange platform. Pozo positioned COVA as an essential government and parliamentary partner in advancing global health efforts.