Animal Welfare & Ethics

Welfare & Ethics run through everything we do. It is where these issues are prioritised, challenged, and progressed

The Australian Veterinary Association Welfare and Ethics Group (AVAWE) is the professional community for veterinarians who believe animal welfare and ethical integrity are central to veterinary medicine. Whether you’re building your interest and knowledge, growing your advocacy, or already embed welfare and ethics at the heart of your practice, AVAWE is your community.

Members span clinical practice, academia, policy, government, research, and advocacy – across species, sectors, and career stages. United by evidence-based practice and a shared commitment to ethical integrity, we exist to strengthen the profession’s ability to support animal welfare outcomes through CPD, community, tools, and advocacy. 

Why join AVAWE?

Community and Connection

AVAWE brings together like-minded professionals committed to evidence-informed, compassionate care, working collectively to advance animal welfare through policy, advocacy and education. 

Through education and collaborative events, members engage with real-world challenges, expanding both their networks and their impact. If you want to help shape the future of animal welfare, AVAWE provides opportunities to contribute to policy discussions, submissions and advocacy priorities. 

  • Policy and Advocacy Input: contribute to AVA policy development, submissions and advocacy on emerging welfare issues  
  • National Conference Sessions: practical, real-world discussions on animal welfare challenges  
  • Education and Learning Opportunities: webinars and sessions focused on applied welfare and ethics  
  • Collaborative Events: partnerships to strengthen networks and influence 

Knowledge and CPD

AVAWE equips members with the resources and education to engage confidently with emerging welfare and ethics issues.  

  • Free webinars and on-demand CPD: practical learning on emerging issues, ethical frameworks, and animal welfare science 
  • Quarterly newsletters: updates, insights, and “ethical conundrums” to challenge and grow your thinking 
  • Access to specialist resources: advocacy for broader research and articles  

Influence and advocacy

AVAWE gives members a meaningful say in how the veterinary profession defines and responds to welfare and ethics challenges at a national level. When policy and submissions are being shaped, AVAWE members are at the table. 

  • Direct Input into AVA Policy: contribute to submissions, public statements, and strategic advocacy 
  • Representation on External Committees: including ethics advisory groups and national animal welfare forums 
  • Education Influence: help embed ethics and welfare from day one 
  • Public and Media Engagement: support the AVA to communicate ethically, accurately, and responsibly. 

Learning & Events

Advance your career with CPD courses, webinars, conferences, and events across Australia.

VIEW ALL Learning & Events

  • On-Demand AVCB, AVAWE and UPAV Webinar | Your Pet, Our Pest: Inside Victoria’s largest illegal exotic animal trade network

    Animal Welfare and Ethics
    On-demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

    Register

  • AVAWE webinar | Dingoes, ethics and coexistence in modern Australia | Dr Bradley Smith

    Animal Welfare and Ethics
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

    Register

  • On-Demand | AVAWE Webinar | Challenges and opportunities for animal welfare in the broader pacific: Insights on achieving animal welfare outcomes | Dr Jessica Hoopes

    Animal Welfare and Ethics
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

    Register

Connect with your AVAWE colleagues on the AVA Member Hub (Circle)

The AVA Member Hub, powered by Circle, is AVA’s online community platform. It gives you a dedicated space to connect with your colleagues across Australia, tap into expertise and stay engaged beyond events and conferences. 

Not on the Member Hub yet? Click on the button below for more information:

AVA Member Hub (Circle)

ALL ACCESS

MAXIMUM VALUE
  • Event Advantage discounts (Save $400+ per event)
  • Resources on sustainability and evidence-based veterinary medicine
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
  •  AVAWE Conference Proceedings
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

FLEXI

The essentials
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
  • Resources on sustainability and evidence-based veterinary medicine
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

CONNECTED

Community and connection
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library - $25
  • Resources on sustainability and evidence-based veterinary medicine
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

STUDENT

Start your career
  • Event Advantage discounts (Student rate)
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
  • Resources on sustainability and evidence-based veterinary medicine
  •  AVAWE Conference Proceedings
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

Got a question about AVAWE?

We would love to hear from you. 

Whether you want to know more about AVAWE membership or just want to find out if AVAWE is right for you – get in touch via members@ava.com.au. Our team responds to all enquiries within three business days.