Policies

Breed-specific legislation

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date: 04/12/2014 Policy Legislation to prevent dog bites and to manage aggressive dogs should focus on the individual dog and the owner not […]

The responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the human–animal bond

Policy Dog and cat ownership is an integral part of the human- animal bond and plays an important and positive role in the health and wellbeing of the community1. Benefits […]

Myxomatosis vaccination of pet rabbits

Position Statement Steps should be taken to introduce a safe and effective myxomatosis vaccination program to protect the health of pet rabbits while not impacting unfavourably upon the control of […]

The sale of ferret kits

Policy Ferret kits should be vaccinated and not offered for sale younger than ten weeks of age. Ferrets are active and intelligent animals; there is a need for family/social groups […]

Sale of unweaned altricial birds

Policy Unweaned altricial birds should not be sold. Background An altricial bird is one that is hatched with eyes closed with little or no down, is nest bound and fed […]

Sale of companion animals at markets

Policy Companion animals should not be sold at markets. Background The sale of companion animals in markets encourages impulse buying and may compromise the animals’ welfare. The transient nature of […]

Animal shelters and municipal pounds

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date: 15/02/2013 Policy Animals kept in pounds and shelters must be housed under appropriate conditions that ensure their health and welfare, meeting the […]

Responsible use of veterinary immunobiologicals in cats and dogs

Policy Immunobiological products (vaccines) should only be administered to dogs and cats by a registered veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Background The correct use of immunobiological […]

Tail docking of cattle

Policy Tail docking in cattle should be performed only for therapeutic reasons on veterinary advice. Background Tail docking (i.e. removal of tails by amputation or by the use of rubber […]

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine

Position statement The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recommends that veterinarians make informed and judicious decisions regarding the use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) modalities. The AVA recognises the […]