Policies

The provision of optimum veterinary services to the horse racing industry

Policy Veterinarians involved in the horse racing industry are required to abide by the rules of racing relevant to veterinarians in the jurisdictions in which they work1,2 and should follow […]

Use of horses for entertainment

Policy Horses can participate in public entertainment provided their needs for shelter, exercise, transport, rest and basic husbandry are met, and their welfare is a priority during training and performance. […]

Use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary practice

Policy Veterinarians must use antimicrobials judiciously, in order to provide optimal healthcare for their patients, reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and preserve these critical medicines for future use. […]

Vaccination of dogs and cats

Policy Every dog and cat should be appropriately immunised, and each individual animal should be vaccinated as frequently as considered necessary by their veterinarian to provide protection. The vaccination protocol […]

Veterinary prescribing rights

Policy Veterinary prescribing rights (to obtain, possess, administer, prescribe, supply or recommend veterinary chemicals, medicines or poisons) are a privilege conferred on individual registered veterinarians. The responsible exercise of prescribing […]

Cosmetic surgery to alter the natural appearance of animals

Policy Surgical procedures performed on animals for purely cosmetic reasons, such as tail docking and ear cropping, are unacceptable under any circumstances. Background Tail docking and ear cropping of dogs […]

Surgical alteration of companion animals’ natural functions for human convenience

Policy Surgical procedures performed on companion animals primarily to provide a convenience or benefit to humans are not supported or recommended. The welfare of animals is paramount, so the risks […]

Greyhound racing

Policy The primary concern of the Australian Veterinary Association is the health and welfare of the dogs involved in the Greyhound racing industry. The management of these animals must be […]

Private veterinary engagement with Government veterinary services

Policy Schemes which seek to enhance collaboration between private and government veterinary services should be adequately resourced by government to optimize Australia’s emergency animal disease preparedness and response capabilities. Recruitment […]

Provision of Animal Health (Veterinary) Laboratories

Policy Governments must ensure that veterinary laboratory capacity meets Australia’s needs, including those of regional and remote locations. This is essential to maintain Australia’s favourable animal health status. To achieve […]