AVA Submission on SA Veterinary Premises Standards

AVA Submission on SA Veterinary Premises Standards

The AVA has recently lodged a submission to the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia (VSBSA) in response to the consultation on the draft Veterinary Premises Standards.

The regulation and registration of veterinary premises is supported by the AVA as an essential measure to uphold animal health, welfare, and public confidence in the profession. Our submission commends the VSBSA for its collaborative and transparent approach and for recognising the Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV) Hospital Accreditation Standards within the proposed framework.

Submission recommendations focus on refining definitions of premises categories, extending and clarifying notification timeframes and processes, ensuring appropriate inspection requirements for hospitals, and considering a longer registration cycle to reduce administrative burden. The submission also highlights the importance of workplace health and safety, accessibility, and staff wellbeing in the design of veterinary facilities, and the need for adequate resourcing to support the VSBSA in implementing the new framework.

The AVA appreciates the opportunity to contribute to this important reform and looks forward to continued collaboration with the VSBSA to ensure the successful introduction of practical and effective premises standards across South Australia.

Read the full submission here