Policies

Cattle spaying

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date: 08/12/2022 Policy Spaying of cattle should be a restricted act of veterinary science. Veterinarians should use the following techniques until suitable alternatives […]

Veterinary use of compounded pharmaceuticals

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date: 01/12/2020 Policy A compounded product should only be used when no other registered product [1] can effectively treat the condition. A compounded […]

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE)

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date:03/12/2015 Technical Update: 29/09/2022 Policy Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) should be considered by the Animal Health Committee for classification nationally as a notifiable […]

Use of behaviour-modifying collars on dogs

Purpose This policy can be used to help veterinarians understand the appropriate steps when presented with a dog whose owner is considering the use of such collars. Policy Collars designed […]

Surgical sterilisation of dogs and cats

Policy Surgical sterilisation is an important tool to reduce unwanted dogs and cats in the community, particularly when combined with relevant community education programs. Veterinarians should make recommendations about the […]

Management of cats in Australia

Policy The management of cats in Australia must be evidence-based, must prioritise animal welfare, use practices that mitigate negative impacts to animals, and have clear measurable outcome-based objectives which are […]

Restricted acts of veterinary science

Policy The performing of acts of veterinary science must be restricted to registered veterinary practitioners, in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of animals. Veterinary practice acts within […]

Climate change and animal health, welfare and production

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date: 10/03/2022 Policy The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) acknowledges the scientific evidence that human activity is the primary cause for the acceleration of […]

Safeguarding and improving the mental health of the veterinary team

Note: The following policies should be considered as a group; together they provide a set of principles which underpin the AVA’s wellness strategy:  Great veterinary workplaces (2023); Safeguarding and improving the mental health […]

Heat stress in the horse

Policy All associations involved in horse competitions must have a policy/procedure for reducing the risk of heat stress in horses. This policy should include protocols for cooling horses after exercise, […]