The Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund was established under the auspices of the Irish Veterinary Association, one of the precursors of Veterinary Ireland, in 1982 by five prominent veterinary practitioners as a charitable trust with the purpose of providing financial or other assistance to veterinary practitioners and the families of veterinary practitioners who had encountered difficulties. Recently IVBF has converted into a company limited by guarantee which is now the preferred format for registered charities. IVBF has also extended its remit to include veterinary nurses and the families of veterinary nurses as beneficiaries in its new constitution.

The conversion of IVBF from a trust to a company limited by guarantee opens the way to inviting veterinary organisations such as Veterinary Council, Veterinary Ireland, Veterinary Officers Association, Clinical societies and other veterinary bodies to nominate members to the company from which directors and officers will be chosen. This will re-invigorate IVBF and provide the next generation of volunteers. It is worth emphasising that all our current and past directors and members are volunteers who do not draw and have never drawn “out of pocket” expenses for attending meetings and our other activities.
IVBF provides a Financial Support Programme and has recently funded Irish access to the UK Vetlife programme. Quite often the financial wellbeing of a practitioner goes hand in hand with their mental wellbeing

As the name implies the Financial Support programme provides financial assistance. Examples of financial support IVBF currently provides are regular monthly income supplements, one off payments for specific purposes and short term assistance with mortgage repayments. However each enquiry and application for support is considered on its individual merits and is treated with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.