Animal research, ethical boundary‐work, and the geographies of veterinary expertise

Abstract The veterinary profession has been relatively understudied in social science, though recent work highlighted the geographic dimensions of expertise. This paper draws on in‐depth qualitative interviews with Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVSs) working UK animal research to demonstrate how and why they distinguish between ethical aspects spaces laboratory general clinical practice. mobilises sociological concept boundary‐work help understand – often assumed represent a contentious space is constructed positively as for work. Findings suggest first, that NVSs differentiate veterinary‐work based scale at which expertise functions provision healthcare animals. Second, highlight geography authority felt be more successfully applied compared clinic, where professional competes other sources information clients' finances behaviours. Third, articulate consistency care claimed consistent animals, opposed experience may influenced by individual owner characteristics. Overall, we show through engaging this kind are not only presenting form scientific practice ‘ethical’, also constructing topology Finally, argues greater attentiveness geographies beyond routine