Small Animal

Representing Companion Animal Care in Australia.

The Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV) represents veterinarians working with companion animals across Australia – from general practice to referral, emergency, academia and industry.

ASAV provides leadership and direction in promoting the advancement of small animal veterinary clinical skills and knowledge to our members. To achieve this, we promote the “career partner” concept, actively engaging in advocacy and policy development and delivering high quality continuing education in a variety of suitable and appropriate formats.

The ASAV SIG produces high quality communications to members, and creates and maintains a friendly, collegiate and inclusive culture with all our activities and events. As ASAV is a member of WSAVA and FASAVA full access members also gain access to all member benefits from these international organisations as well.

“ASAV members strive to make the small animal profession better and work together to support other vets in practice through continuing education opportunities and other resources.”

“I was always blown away by the standard of the scientific program at ASAV conferences and the mentorship of new graduates.”

Why join ASAV?

Community and Connection

Connect with peers who understand your clinical approach. 

The ASAV SIG supports their members by providing:

  • Up to 12 live webinars per year and access to 12 months of on-demand webinar recordings.
  • ASAV Annual Conference for learning and networking.
  • Four printed issues of Companion magazine delivered to your door annually
  • Engagement opportunities with the veterinary profession in advocacy.
  • ASAV Awards: celebrating excellence in small animal medicine, surgery and leadership.
  • Access to a wide range of resources including Standards of Care – check out the Resources tab for a full list.
  • Join other vets with an interest in all things small animals. You can access the Hub and speak with other vets online via a secure, easy-to-use space to connect, share ideas and get support from colleagues.
  • The Accredited Veterinary Hospital Scheme promoting Practices of Excellence.

Knowledge and CPD

Build your skills with confidence. 

ASAV supports continual learning through diverse, accessible education and development pathways.

  • Monthly webinars: member focused CPD with relevant, applicable topics.
  • Companion magazine: Quarterly issues printed and delivered to your door. This magazine features an ASAV member in each issue along with content on ASAV initiatives including the Accredited Veterinary Hospital Scheme (AVHS), the Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation (ACAHF) and of course loads of conference information.
  • Access to back issue of the Australian Veterinary Practitioner journal
  • Access to conference proceedings.
  • Standards of Care – Regular health check standards for dogs and cats.
  • Standards of Care – Anaesthesia guidelines for dogs and cats.
  • AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.
  • Parvovirus best practice guidelines.
  • International guidelines for long-term NSAID use in cats.
  • Guidance for the Rational Use of Antibiotics.
  • Fact sheets for clients including those renting with pets.
  • Access to WSAVA guidelines.
  • Discount registration to international congresses including WSAVA and FASAVA.

Influence and advocacy

Help shape the future of small animal practice

ASAV empowers members to actively influence the future of small animal practice in Australia

  • Policy and Advocacy: Informing AVA positions on welfare, standards of care and emerging issues.
  • Student Support: Scholarships, awards and conference access to foster future small animal leaders.
  • Public Education and Leadership: Helping inform community understanding of veterinary care quality.
  • Innovation Engagement: Supporting members to adopt new technologies and treatments responsibly.

Opportunity to join the ASAV Executive Committee in a variety of portfolios.

Just starting out?

As well as all the above, ASAV Students could win the Award for Clinical Excellence and Proficiency which is provided to each Australian university and is presented to a final year student by merit.

Social and Student events: informal gatherings and mentoring opportunities across career stages.

There’s also the Student scholarship prize which includes full registration to the ASAV Annual Conference including all social events and five nights’ accommodation, and return airfares from the capital city nearest the winner’s campus.

Upcoming ASAV education and events

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Haemangiosarcoma in dogs – treatments beyond surgery | Dr Penny Thomas

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • VetPrac | Surgical Ophthalmology Workshop

    Small Animal

    17 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Now what? Rebuilding the dog after the tumor’s gone | Dr Charlie Kuntz

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • VetPrac | Perineal & Urogenital Workshop

    Small Animal

    22.5 CPD Points

  • 51st ASAV Annual Conference together with VBG

    Conferences
    Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, QLD
    Twin Waters, QLD
  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Endocrine emergencies: a practical guide for small animal practice | Dr Alexander Saver

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand AVDS Webinar | Dental conversations (small animal) | Dr Nicole Hoskin

    Dental
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Canine Pyometra | Dr Xavier Schneider

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV | CEVA Sponsored Webinar | Feline Hypertension: No Pressure! | Dr Chantal Celindano

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV | IDEXX Sponsored Webinar | Sustainability Through Wellness: preparing your practice for tomorrow’s patients | Dr Sarah Warren

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Radiographic interpretation of thoracic masses | Dr Belinda Hopper

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Exotics – what do we have to offer our exotic patients when we see dogs and cats 99% of the time? | Dr Susan Beths

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | More than beeps and numbers: Practical interpretation of anaesthesia monitoring in general practice | Dr Jennifer Carter

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV Webinar | Detect earlier, stage smarter: diagnostic advances in cancer care for animals | Dr Kathleen O’Connell

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand ASAV | CEVA Sponsored Webinar | Calmer Cats, Better Care: Transforming the Feline Experience in Your Clinic | Dr Chantal Celindano

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    On-Demand
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • On-Demand |ASAV Webinar | Avoiding the ‘peek and shriek’ surgery – taking a systematic approach to exploratory laparotomies in dogs and cats | Dr Charles Kuntz

    On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

  • Return to Work Program

    Online Courses

Connect with your ASAV 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:

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Got a question about ASAV? 

We would love to hear from you. 

Whether you want to know more about ASAV membership, have a question about our annual conference, or just want to find out if ASAV is right for your practice – get in touch via asav@ava.com.au or members@ava.com.au. Our team responds to all enquiries within three business days.