We thrive in our collective passion for all avian and exotics
UPAV brings together veterinarians with a passion for the care of birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and all exotic pets.
Members range from full-time avian and exotic specialists to GPs who see the occasional ferret or cockatiel, and also include students curious about a more diverse clinical pathway.
UPAV provides education, support, and advocacy for vets working in a field where small patients bring big challenges – and where collegial advice can make all the difference.
Supporting veterinarians to deliver high-quality care for birds and non-traditional pets.
“These patients are anything but ‘unusual’ to their owners. UPAV gives me the knowledge and confidence to treat them with the care they deserve.”
Access the member-only Group page
Existing AVA Group member? Access the member-only Group page for exclusive access to resources and information.
Join the Australian Unusual Pet & Avian Veterinarians Group
Why join UPAV?
Community and Connection
Connect with a Community of Avian and Exotic Care Experts
UPAV offers a safe, collegial space for sharing knowledge, discussing complex cases, and building connections.
- Annual UPAV conference and UPAV specific lectures in the annual AVA Conference
- Online Community Forum (in development)
- Social Media Updates (Facebook & Instagram)
- Scholarships for Students & Graduates
- Support for Local Branch Events focused on exotic pet care
Knowledge and CPD
Expand Your Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
- Quarterly E-newsletters: Clinical tips, SIG updates, and research highlights
- Webinars: 4 per year offering practical CPD across species (12 months of on demand recordings available for members)
- Access to Scientific Conference Proceedings
- Workshops and Speaker Opportunities at AVA and UPAV events
- In-Clinic Support Materials: Recommended in development (e.g. charts, guidelines, care sheets)
Influence and advocacy
Shape the Future of Exotic and Avian Practice
- UPAV advocates for inclusion, recognition, and responsibility in the care of non-traditional pets.
- Policy Representation on AVA Policy Council
- Advocacy for Practice Protection in Avian Influenza Planning
- Submissions on Regulation and Welfare affecting exotic pets
- Peer-to-Peer Guidance on clinical standards and public communication
- Visibility in Broader AVA Strategy and student outreach
Learning & Events
Advance your career with CPD courses, webinars, conferences, and events across Australia.
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On-Demand AVCB, AVAWE and UPAV Webinar | Your Pet, Our Pest: Inside Victoria’s largest illegal exotic animal trade network
Animal Welfare and EthicsOn-demandOpen for registration0.5 CPD Points
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On-Demand | UPAV Webinar | Emergency triage of the sick rabbit – what really works and is useful? | Dr Gerry Skinner
On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)Open for registration0.5 CPD Points
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On-Demand | UPAV Webinar | Most common diseases of pet fish in Australia | Dr Kelly Giles
On-Demand Webinars (Recorded)Open for registration0.5 CPD Points
Connect with your UPAV 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:
ALL ACCESS
- Event Advantage discounts (Save $400+ per event)
- Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
- UPAV specific policy and guidelines
- UPAV Conference Proceedings (delegates only)
- Annual UPAV Scholarships
- AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network
FLEXI
- Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
- UPAV specific policy and guidelines
- Annual UPAV Scholarships
- AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network
CONNECTED
- Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library - $25
- UPAV specific policy and guidelines
- Annual UPAV Scholarships
- AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network
STUDENT
- Event Advantage discounts (Student rate)
- Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
- UPAV specific policy and guidelines
- UPAV Conference Proceedings (delegates only)
- Annual UPAV Scholarships
- AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network
Do you have a question about UPAV?
We would love to hear from you.
Whether you want to know more about UPAV membership, have a question about the annual conference or upcoming webinar, or just want to find out if UPAV is right for you – please get in touch. Our team responds to all enquiries within three business days.
UPAV inbox: elaine.robertson@ava.com.au
Member services: members@ava.com.au
Phone: 02 9431 5082
Postal: Unit 40, 6 Herbert Street, St Leonards NSW 2065