Submissions

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. 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.

The AVA’s submission to the City of Hobart calls for stronger welfare principles, removal of aversive devices, a behaviour-based approach to dangerous dogs, and recognition of both surgical and medical sterilisation options.

The AVA’s submission to the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy calls for targeted reforms to address psychosocial risks in the veterinary profession, including stronger data collection, rural incentives, tailored mental health supports, and workforce retention measures.

The AVA welcomes the ACT Draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and proposes practical, evidence-based refinements - centred on clear standards, positive-reinforcement training, sensible tethering and temperature safeguards, and better identification and traceability.

The AVA’s submission on the Victorian Domestic Animals Regulations 2025 calls for clear, practical reforms that enhance animal welfare, improve traceability, and reduce unnecessary burdens on veterinarians, following earlier face-to-face consultation with government.