The AVA is preparing a submission for the WA Parliamentary Inquiry into Veticare. Members are invited to provide input based on the Inquiry terms of reference.
Inquiry Terms of Reference
- (a) the barriers preventing access to veterinary services, particularly for low-income households, pensioners, regional and remote communities, animal rescuers, and native animal carers;
- (b) the feasibility, and design and legislative framework of a publicly funded veterinary care system (“Veticare”) to ensure companion animals, un-homed animals in shelters, and injured native animals have access to necessary treatment regardless of their owner’s financial capacity;
- (c) measures to fully fund desexing and microchipping programs to responsibly manage companion animal populations;
- (d) strategies to support veterinarians and veterinary nurses by reimbursing costs for native animals treatment, and improving working conditions, up-skilling, and retention within the profession;
- (e) the role of a subsidy system to reduce cost-of-living pressures while ensuring households can always access essential veterinary care; and
- (f) the well-recognised mental health and wellbeing benefits of companion animals, and how accessible veterinary care supports people in maintaining those vital relationships.
How to get involved
- Provide your input to the AVA to assist the development of the AVA submission. Comments should be sent to graham.pratt@ava.com.au by 19 April 2026
- Make your own submission directly here by 30 April 2026