New South Wales
BoardTalk
President’s Report
Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Belinda Crews, our new Complaints Officer. Belinda brings extensive experience in administration and executive support across various industries, including the pharmaceutical industry and veterinary profession.
Addressing the backlog of complaints, which resulted from delays in the Board’s appointment, has been a primary focus. A dedicated Complaints Committee, chaired by a legal practitioner (Barrister) and including veterinarians and consumer representatives from both within and outside the Board, was appointed to improve the efficiency of complaint management.
This Committee is empowered to investigate and determine complaints and has generally been meeting twice monthly to ensure timely resolution of complaints. The backlog has now been resolved with the exception of two longstanding investigations.
This year we also continued the implementation of our new database and website, significantly enhancing transparency and service delivery. The website now offers:
• Improved search functionality for veterinarians and veterinary hospitals.
• Expanded information for consumers, including species treated, languages spoken, and services provided.
Enhanced online services for the profession, with further features for hospital licence applications and management, are scheduled for release early 2026.
The Board has also updated its strategic plan for 2026-2028. In early 2026 we expect to be focusing much of our time on working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to see how we can best respond to issues raised by stakeholders via the NSW Government Veterinary Workforce Shortage Inquiry.
As discussed at our recent AGM, the main areas for consideration by the Government are registration of veterinary nurses, workforce capacity and sustainability, complaint investigation processes, and Board powers.
On behalf of all Board members and staff best wishes for the festive season and for a happy and safe New Year.
Mags Awad President
Centenary Awards
Annual General Meeting
The Board held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the veterinary profession in Austinmer on Monday 17 November at 7.00 pm.
The agenda and papers for this meeting are available from the News section of the Board’s website.
The President, Dr Magdoline Awad, discussed reports on activities and fees.
In addition, Elysia Harradine and Jenny Thomson from DPIRD built on some recommendations from the NSW Government response to the Veterinary Workforce Shortage Inquiry focusing in particular on registration of nurses, complaint investigations and Board powers.
The Board’s audited financial statements and recommended fee and remuneration changes were approved at the meeting.
The Board also announced recipients of the Centenary Awards for 2025.
The President announced the recipients of the 2025 Centenary Awards, recognising veterinary excellence across the many fields that protect the health of animals, people and the environment, at the Annual General Meeting of the veterinary profession 17 November 2025.
The Centenary Awards were established in 2024 to mark 100 years since the Veterinary Surgeons formalised veterinary registration in NSW.
Following the centenary celebrations, the Board recognised the need for an ongoing program to promote excellence across diverse fields of veterinary practice.
For the 2025 Awards, recipients were selected by a Board-appointed committee with expertise in One Health, One Welfare and Professional Practice, following a robust nomination and review
Associate Professor Dr John is recognised for his outstanding contributions in the areas of advanced veterinary diagnostics, disease prevention, herd health, animal welfare and food system resilience.
The Committee noted, in particular, his contributions to research, antimicrobial stewardship, education, and mentorship.
One Welfare Award
Dr Tanya Carter is honoured for successfully managing a community-orientated veterinary practice, Haberfield Veterinary Hospital, in Sydney for more than 50 years.
Additionally, she has served as President of the Animal Welfare and Ethics special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association, attained post-graduate qualifications and published in animal welfare, ethics and law.
Tanya has also received both national and international recognition for her contributions to animal welfare and professional ethics.
Professional Practice Award
Managing Director of Scibus and Cows R Us, Dr Ian Lean has provided consulting and research services to support ruminant production businesses, government and industry.
In addition to significant contributions to the peerreviewed scientific literature in agriculture and veterinary science, Ian is acknowledged nationally and internationally as a leading dairy scientist and has received numerous awards, including the Gilruth Prize in 2009, leading to the awarding of a Doctor of Veterinary Science.
Hospital annual return data
The Board introduced the hospital annual return this year to assist with collecting workforce data. Some of this data will be used to improve the Workforce Report each year. The 2024 Workforce Report is available from our website and the 2025 Workforce Report will be released in March 2026.
Species treated
As at 30 June 2025, there were 711 licenced veterinary hospitals in NSW. The majority of licenced premises are small animal hospitals (89%) and the most frequent responses to species treated were dogs (60%) and cats (30%). For mixed animal hospitals (7%) the most frequent responses to species treated were dogs (60%), cats (20%), cattle (15%), and horses (10%). For large animal hospitals (2%), the most frequent response to species treated was horses (100%).
Staffing and capacity
According to data submitted from hospital annual returns this year there were 10,430 staff employed across veterinary hospitals in NSW including 3,536 veterinarians (34%) and 6,894 (66%) support staff. There were 4,128 support staff (60%) with a nursing qualification (certificate IV, diploma or bachelor degree).
The total number of veterinarians was reported as 2,431 full-time equivalent employees. Individual veterinarian data from veterinarian annual returns, as at 30 June, reveal there were 3,935 working veterinarians and hence hospital annual return data suggests that 90% of veterinarians are working at veterinary hospitals.
The majority of veterinarians (59%) are employed at hospitals located in the Greater Sydney Local Land Services area of NSW, with the Hunter and South East areas the next most populated (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 Percentage distribution of veterinarians by LLS area
The percentage distribution of support staff and support staff with qualifications by LLS area is similar to that for veterinarians.
The average ratio of support staff to veterinarians is 1.9:1 ranging from 1.7:1 in the Central West and North West LLS areas to 2.6:1 in the Western LLS area. The average ratio of support staff with nursing qualifications to veterinarians is 1.2:1 ranging from 0.8:1 in the North West and Western LLS areas to 1.5:1 in the Hunter LLS area. This ratio is less than 1 in the Murray, North West, Northern Tablelands, and Western LLS areas.
Continued p. 16
AI-based record keeping and note taking
The Board has developed a guideline to define the requirements, responsibilities, and limitations relating to the use of AIassisted record keeping and note taking as part of veterinary services, and to ensure alignment with the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (NSW), the Veterinary Practice Regulation 2013 (NSW), and other applicable legislation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can support a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks, improving care delivery, efficiency, and record accuracy.
AI systems have been used in healthcare for some time, including transcription tools that generate clinical documentation.
Like all technological innovations, AI offers significant benefits but introduces new and evolving risks. Rapid adoption can outpace evidence of safety, quality, and efficacy.
Veterinarians must therefore apply professional judgment and maintain accountability for all clinical information created or supported by AI tools.
Guideline: AI-based record keeping and note taking
Investigation and determination of complaints
Under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (Act) (s 42), the Board must conduct an investigation into each complaint submitted in compliance with the Act (s 40).
After the investigation is completed, the Board may dismiss the complaint or find the veterinarian guilty of either unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct (Act (s 47)).
Under the Act (s 49) the Board may delegate all complaint functions to a committee. This committee may either make a recommendation to the Board to determine the complaint or, if chaired by a lawyer, may itself determine the complaint.
The Act (s 82) also provides that the Board may delegate the investigation of a complaint to a member of staff.
The Board’s complaint process is described in more detail on its website.
Complaints Committee Report
The Board, at its meeting in November 2024, resolved to delegate the function of investigating and determining complaints to a committee chaired by a lawyer. This Complaints Committee (Committee) also includes both members of the Board and non-members and at least one member who does not hold qualifications in veterinary science. The decision to delegate this function was made to improve both the efficiency of managing complaints and the robustness of decisions, and to enable the Board to focus more time on strategic rather than operational matters.
The Committee is also supported by staff members who are both veterinarians and nonveterinarians.
As at November 2025, this Committee had investigated and determined 72 complaints against 95 veterinarians. Of the complaints investigated, 60 were dismissed and 12 resulted in an adverse finding against a veterinarian. There were 8 complaints withdrawn by complainants involving 12 individual veterinarians.
There are currently 37 complaints under investigation involving 58 individual veterinarians.
Unsatisfactory professional conduct
Findings of unsatisfactory professional conduct were made against thirteen veterinarians; two were reprimanded and fined, ten were cautioned (two of these veterinarians were also fined), and no further action was taken against one veterinarian. Brief summaries of the 12 cases linked to these findings are provided below.
Dosing error
In this case a dog was presented to a veterinarian with diarrhoea and vomiting. Dietary indiscretion or pancreatitis was suspected and various options for further investigation and treatment were discussed with the client. Due to financial constraints, the client chose outpatient care. Gabapentin was supplied at a dose of 100 mg/kg for pain relief.
Whilst acknowledging that this medication has a very wide safety margin, the Committee found that this inappropriately high dose of gabapentin demonstrated a lack of knowledge, skill, judgment or care in the practice of veterinary science and was therefore in breach of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (Act) (s 35(k)).
Supply of restricted substances
In this matter the Board received a report from NSW Health in relation to the supply of meloxicam to provide pain relief for sheep undergoing artificial insemination procedures under a research protocol. The medication was supplied by an agricultural supplier under the instruction of a veterinarian who had not physically examined the animals.
The Board raised a complaint against the veterinarian and the Committee found that the supply of meloxicam was in breach of the Veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct (Code) (cl 20) in that the veterinarian had not physically examined any of the animals involved and the animals could not be shown to be under their direct care. It was noted that the veterinarian involved had previously supplied medication in breach of the Code and as such both a reprimand and a fine were considered appropriate.
Monitoring a condition and re-evaluating a diagnosis
This complaint involved the management of a cat with diabetes mellitus. During management of the case, the cat was presented for a nurse blood glucose check due to cost concerns. The blood glucose was 3 mmol/L and this was later communicated by the veterinarian to the client as ‘a bit low’. This was a significant change from previous blood glucose readings and the Committee formed the opinion that the veterinarian should have provided further advice on monitoring blood glucose and should have considered other potential causes for this result, including remission.
A finding was made against this veterinarian in accordance with the Act (s 35(k)) in that the above deficiencies demonstrated a lack of knowledge, skill, judgment or care in the practice of veterinary science. The Committee also found that the veterinarian did not include a record of important communications with the client including treatment recommendations and plans. Accordingly, this veterinarian was also found to be in breach of the Code (cl 15) as the records did not contain a detailed record of consultation and they were not in sufficient detail to enable another veterinarian to continue treatment.
Unsatisfactory professional conduct (cont’d)
Records
A complaint was raised by a client against a veterinarian providing desexing services to a dog breeder. The veterinarian had desexed the dog in question and provided a sterilisation certificate. The puppy was later diagnosed with a class III malocclusion.
The clinical record from this veterinarian did note a puppy was desexed with an identified maxillary underbite but it was considered by the Committee as not compliant with the Code (cl 15) as it did not contain details of a physical examination, medications and doses administered, the anaesthetic procedure, the surgical procedure, or recovery.
Anaesthetic monitoring
This complaint involved the death of a dog presented for castration. Current guidelines for companion animal practice recommend the use of monitoring equipment, including a pulse oximeter (required equipment for a veterinary hospital), in addition to clinical observations to assess the depth of anaesthesia. Current guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommend endotracheal intubation and intravenous access as soon as possible.
The Committee found that the veterinarian had not managed this case in accordance with the above guidelines and therefore not in accordance with the current standards of veterinary practice. As such their actions were found to be in breach of the Code (cl 4). This veterinarian was also required to complete continuing professional development in CPR and the monitoring of anaesthesia.
Management of pruritic skin disease
A dog was presented to a veterinarian for generalised itch and a ‘leg issue’. Various tests were recommended for investigation based on physical findings with consent gained for an in-house blood test only due to cost constraints. The dog was treated with an injection of long-acting prednisolone and prednisolone tablets to be given every other day. The dog re-presented a few days later with vomiting, painful abdomen, and pale mucous membranes. Further testing and hospitalisation were recommended but declined due to cost concerns. The veterinarian recommended referral to the RSPCA.
The Committee noted that the dose of corticosteroid used was not clear from the records in this case and moreover, formed the opinion that the management of this case initially, using both long-acting corticosteroid together with oral corticosteroid, was not in accordance with current standards of veterinary practice and therefore in breach of the Code (cl 4). This veterinarian was also required to complete continuing professional development in the management of skin disease.
Post-operative management and client communication
This complaint involved the management of a dog diagnosed with pyometra. Pre-anaesthetic testing was declined by the client and surgery was performed. The dog was noted to be quiet in recovery but was discharged by a nurse that afternoon (in error) without a veterinary consultation. The dog died at home later that evening.
The Committee found that there was a lack of judgment in the practice of veterinary science in breach of the Act (s 35(k)) by the veterinarian involved as there should have been a higher level of client communication during the post-operative period, including direct veterinarian to client communication, and the provision of discharge instructions reflecting the serious nature of this condition in contrast to a routine ovariohysterectomy.
Records, interpretation of radiographs and client communication
In this complaint, a cat was presented for a desexing procedure and found to be dyspnoeic. Consent for thoracic radiographs was obtained and the findings noted an enlarged liver with pleural and abdominal fluid present. A suspicion of feline infectious peritonitis was noted with further investigation recommended and a guarded prognosis. A nurse contacted the client and discussed the option of euthanasia.
The client was undecided and supplied with antibiotics. Later, the client sought a second opinion (with radiographs but no records provided by the first treating veterinarian to the second treating veterinarian) and the cat was diagnosed with and treated for an upper respiratory tract infection. The cat recovered uneventfully.
Continued p. 7
Health Program
An impairment is defined in the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (s 4 (3)) as any physical or mental impairment, disability, condition or disorder which detrimentally affects or is likely to detrimentally affect the person’s physical or mental capacity to practise veterinary science.
The Board appreciates the difficulties faced by veterinarians who have an impairment and is committed to assisting these veterinarians through its Health Program for Veterinarians
The goal of this program is to support veterinarians whilst they work through their health issues with suitably qualified professionals.
The Board has adopted the procedures outlined in the Doctors’ Health Program provided by the Medical Council of NSW to achieve this goal.
The Board appreciates that stressors associated with the performance of the professional duties of a veterinarian may be increased during a complaint investigation.
It is the Board’s preference that issues of impairment or possible impairment are addressed outside of the Board’s complaints processes and disciplinary powers where possible.
Guidelines on anaesthesia and pain management in cats undergoing desexing
The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Chapter, has endorsed guidelines to provide private practice veterinarians with current evidence-based guidance on anaesthesia and pain management for cats undergoing desexing.
These guidelines have a specific focus on pre-pubertal cats (less than 16 weeks of age) and unsocialised fractious cats (of any age).
It is important that during anaesthesia, a person with appropriate training and skills must be dedicated to continuous monitoring and intermittent recording of various parameters that reflect the physiological status of the animal during the procedure.
Hospital Visits
The 3 year hospital visit cycle has now re-commenced with both Jennelle and John looking forward to re-visiting all hospitals again over the next 3 years. In addition, they will be looking to visit premises linked to consulting rooms and mobile services in surrounding areas.
The purpose of these visits is to assist all veterinary practices in complying with minimum requirements set by the Board and to provide guidance on meeting obligations under related legislation including poisons and therapeutic goods, stock medicines, and protection from harmful radiation.
If you have any questions about meeting these or other legislative requirements our inspectors will assist, guide you to appropriate resources, or seek clarification from the Board.
The Board values the opportunities these visits provide to engage with practices and provide feedback on how we can best support and guide the profession.
Please do not hesitate to discuss any issues of concern to the profession regarding the regulation of veterinary services either locally or more generally.
A self-assessment checklist for hospitals and a self-assessment checklist for housecall and onsite veterinary practices for superintendents or business owners are available to complete prior to any visit.
Licence transfers
If the business entity holding a veterinary hospital licence or the names of veterinarians who hold a controlling interest in the licence change you need to transfer the hospital licence within 14 days by completing one of these forms which you can either email or mail to us:
1. Change in structure
The Change in Structure form is used when the licence holder business entity changes (for example a partnership becomes a company) or when the veterinarians with controlling interest change (for example a partnership or company takes on loses a veterinarian partner or shareholder), or both. Records for the licence under these circumstances are continuous and the hospital licence number remains the same.
2. Sale and purchase
When a hospital licence is sold to a new licence holder and a new hospital licence is created (a new licence record is created). The Licence Sale form is completed by the current licence holder and the Licence Purchase form is completed by the new licence holder.
All veterinarians with a controlling interest in the licence must confirm the transfer.
For licence holders exempt from controlling interest requirements, such as charities, the transfer must be completed by the person responsible for managing the licence.
Please note the following:
1. The licence holder business entity cannot be a trust
2. If you move to new premises this requires an application for a new licence.
There is currently no fee for transferring a hospital licence but a fee for this process has been previously approved.
Once we receive all required documents the licence transfer will generally be completed within 14 days.
Complaints Committee Report (continued)
The Committee determined that the veterinarian was in breach of the Act (s 35(k)) in that they failed to communicate directly with the client to discuss their findings, failed to fully comply with the Code (cl 10) in that they did not provide records to a second treating veterinarian, and that the veterinarian’s interpretation of radiographs was not in accordance with current standards of the practice of veterinary science (Code (cl 4)). This veterinarian was required to complete continuing professional development in radiographic interpretation of the thorax.
Client communication
This case involved the management of a horse for breeding at veterinary premises. The horse suddenly became agitated, restless, and had an elevated heart rate. The horse’s condition deteriorated rapidly and significant internal haemorrhage was suspected. The horse died within a short period that morning but an attempt to notify the client was not made until early afternoon (telephone and text). A ruptured aortic aneurysm was suspected. The horse was buried on the property mid-afternoon due to rapid deterioration of the body.
The Committee formed the opinion that the veterinarian failed to notify the client of these events in a timely manner, should have offered the option of a necropsy, and that they buried the horse without consent. This conduct demonstrated a lack of judgment or care in the practice of veterinary science in breach of the Act (s 35(k)).
Medication error
A cat was presented for inappropriate urination and was treated with gabapentin but represented later that day in a recumbent state, with pyrexia and tremors. The veterinarian realised that rather than gabapentin, a 200 mg trazodone tablet had been administered by mistake. The veterinarian sought advice from a colleague and supportive care was provided . Whilst the cat appeared to stabilise, she died later that afternoon.
The Committee determined that the administration of incorrect medication demonstrated a lack of care and judgment in the practice of veterinary science in breach of the Act (s 35(k)) and that the management of this medication error was not in accordance with current standards of the practice of veterinary science (Code (cl 4)).
In addition, as the veterinarian managing this case was aware that no veterinarian would be available for care at some time during the day, the Committee determined that the client should have been offered the option of referral for ongoing care. The failure to ensure a veterinarian was available for the ongoing care of this cat was considered in breach of the Code (cl 8).
Certification by a veterinarian
A cat was surrendered to a veterinary hospital for rehoming and its desexing status was not confirmed but it was later rehomed with a sterilisation certificate. This cat was reportedly presented to another veterinarian approximately 2 months later and noted to be pregnant.
The investigation found that the veterinarian on surgery was presented with a number of certificates to sign and did not correlate the certificates with the patients that had undergone procedures that day. Whilst there was no intent to deceive, the Committee found this action to be in breach of the Code (cl 17) in that the veterinarian certified that a veterinary service had been provided when they did not personally provide or supervise the provision of the service.
Evaluation of post-operative complications
This complaint involved the post-operative management of a dog following a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy for cruciate rupture repair. The dog presented a number of times postoperatively and this was generally believed to be due to unrestricted exercise. Approximately 10 weeks post-surgery the dog re-presented with lameness and swelling of the entire stifle region. This was again thought to be due to unrestricted exercise and radiographs were recommended in 2-3 weeks. Later that day the client reported development of a discharging sinus.
On presentation to a second treating veterinarian approximately one week later radiographs were performed and osteomyelitis and a septic joint diagnosed. The implant was removed and the joint drained.
The Committee determined that failure to recommend timely radiographs and consider infection as a possible cause of the presenting signs demonstrated a lack of skill, knowledge or judgment in the practice of veterinary science in breach of the Act (s 35(k)).
Certification by veterinary practitioners
The Code (cl 17) states that:
1. A veterinary practitioner must not certify to any fact within his or her professional expertise or knowledge, or that a veterinary service has been provided, unless the veterinary practitioner has personal knowledge of the fact or has personally provided, or supervised the provision of, the veterinary service concerned.
2. Any certification by a veterinary practitioner must contain such detail as is necessary to ensure that it is complete and accurate and that the meaning is clear.
When signing a certificate please ensure you add your name and your registration number.
Lifetime breeding limits for dogs
The person in charge of an adult dog that has had two deliveries by caesarean delivery must not allow the dog to become pregnant without the written approval of a veterinarian.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (s 23H) a veterinarian must not give approval unless reasonably satisfied the pregnancy will not cause a significant risk to the health of the adult dog.
The Board has developed a guideline to assist the profession in meeting its obligations under this legislation and the Code.
Changes to dog breeding laws
As trusted professionals in animal welfare, vets and authorised identifiers play a crucial role in ensuring the ethical breeding and proper identification of dogs across New South Wales.
Important updates to the NSW Pet Registry, designed to support you in safeguarding animal welfare, will be released between 1 December 2025 and March 2026.
Mandatory breeder identification numbers
From 1 December 2025, anyone who is responsible for a dog that becomes pregnant must have a breeder identification number (BIN)
• There will be two new BIN eligibility classes: dog and cat breeder.
• BINs issued before 1 December 2025 will not be cancelled or reissued. They will be updated with:
• Active cat breeder eligibility
• Inactive dog breeder eligibility.
• Dog breeders with an existing BIN must activate dog breeder eligibility.
• BINs issued after 1 December will have both classes activated.
Updates to the NSW Pet Registry
From 1 December, vets and authorised identifiers using the NSW Pet Registry will be able to see a breeder’s eligibility when creating pet records.
Verify a breeder's identification number and eligibility status
Regardless of whether a breeder applies for a BIN online or offline, they will be sent an email confirming their BIN and eligibility status. Vets and authorised identifiers can request this documentation to verify the breeder’s eligibility status.
Female dogs are limited to a maximum of 5 litters in their lifetime, or 3 litters delivered by caesarean section - whichever comes first.
The NSW Pet Registry will alert vets and authorised identifiers of number of litters and when maximum caps have been reached.
To ensure pet records are maintained up-to-date, vets and authorised identifiers will be able to identify additional litters.
The NSW Pet Registry will be updated with delivery type in 2026.
Read more about the changes to dog breeding laws.
Preventing data entry errors
Managing litters
• Prior to their microchipping appointment, a breeder using the NSW Pet Registry can send an email with their BIN, the mother’s microchip number, and litter details.
• Vets and authorised identifiers can use this information to bring up the litter details online and simply add the microchip numbers against each animal.
Create a litter
• Vets and authorised identifiers who create a litter on behalf of a breeder should always request the mother’s microchip number and the breeder’s BIN.
Identify an animal
• Vets and authorised identifiers should only use this function to identify an animal that is not part of a litter, where the mother is completely unknown such as a stray animal, or when an owner has purchased a pet without a microchip from a breeder.
Mandatory information P1A form
When the Permanent identification P1A form is used to identify a litter, vets and authorised identifiers must include both the breeder identification number and the mother’s microchip number.
This information is essential to ensure the animal’s details are correctly entered in the registry and can be transferred to a new owner.
Incomplete forms cause processing delays at council, and additional administrative burden for breeders and new owners.
Contact Us
NSW Pet Registry Helpline pets@olg.nsw.gov.au
Login to the Pet Registry as a Vet/AI Visit the NSW Pet Registry website
A barcode scanner with a USB connection can be plugged into a computer and used to scan a microchip barcode sticker directly into the NSW Pet Registry.
Companion animal laws review update
Thank you to those who made submissions to the Companion Animal Laws Review discussion paper and attended the stakeholder consultation forums.
A summary report of these consultations will be published on the OLG website www.olg.nsw.gov.au
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, is expected to release a Policy Paper shortly.
The Paper has been informed by the extensive feedback received through these review activities, and further consultations, which included veterinary practitioners, as well as relevant parliamentary inquiries, coronial inquests and broader subject matter research.
Work on the review of companion animal laws continues into 2026.
Establishing the most important surgery skills for veterinary graduates
The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science is conducting a research study to establish the most important small animal surgery skills required by veterinary graduates entering general practice in Australia.
We invite the participation of veterinary practitioners who routinely perform small animal surgery and have experience working with recent graduates.
Participants will attend focus groups to evaluate an evidencebased list of small animal surgical skills.
For further information or inquiries about this study, please contact Dr. Kate Mills, Associate Professor of Veterinary Clinical Skills k.mills@sydney.edu.au
If you wish to participate, you may open the survey in your web browser by clicking the link below:
Focus Group Register of Interest
If the link above does not work, try copying the link below into your web browser: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/ surveys/?s=WCP989993RLWR3FE
Radiation user licensing exemption for veterinary nurses
Under changes introduced in the Protection from Harmful Radiation Regulation 2025, from 1 December 2025 a veterinary nurse, technician or technologist who has completed EPA-approved training will be exempt from holding a radiation user licence for the use of ionising radiation apparatus for veterinary diagnostic purposes.
Exemption will be subject to compliance with supervision and other obligations set out in the Regulation.
Exemption requires evidence of one of the following:
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology - Charles Sturt University (including evidence of completion of subject ASC281 - Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Technologists)
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (Animal Care and Management Training Package) conducted by a registered training organisation (RTO) in NSW
• Certificate III in Equine Nursing (RTO No. 90000, NSW TAFE course 3726)
• Eligibility for inclusion on Register of Veterinary Nurses - Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK).
Note: The RTO must be currently registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver the course within NSW.
Supply of restricted substances
Veterinarians are authorised prescribers under poisons and therapeutic goods legislation in NSW for veterinary treatment only. NSW Health has published the Guide to Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Legislation for Veterinary Practitioners. Veterinary practice legislation is also used to regulate the supply or restricted substances.
The Board has created a guideline for restricted substances to assist the profession in meeting requirements under poisons and therapeutic goods and veterinary practice legislation.
Under poisons and therapeutic goods legislation, veterinarians are able to access restricted substances (S4 and S8 medications) and supply these to clients for animal patients. No other person has this authority.
This legislation also states that a veterinarian must not issue a prescription for a restricted substance (or supply) in a quantity, or for a purpose, that does not accord with the recognised therapeutic standard of what is appropriate in the circumstances.
Under the Veterinary Practitioners Code of Professional Conduct (Code) (cl 20), a veterinarian may supply a restricted substance only:
a) To a person responsible for the care of an animal that the veterinarian has physically examined or has under his or her direct care and only in respect of that animal, or
b) To a person responsible for the care of an animal, with the written authority of another veterinarian who has physically examined the animal concerned or has it under his or her direct care, and only in respect of that animal.
The direct care provision enables a veterinarian to treat groups, herds or flocks of animals; the veterinarian is able to supply to multiple animals despite only physically examining one or a representative sample of animals sufficient to establish a therapeutic need.
The quantity supplied must be in accordance with the recognised therapeutic standard of what is appropriate for that group of animals and no more.
The Board has recognised that the Supply of Pain Relief Medication for Animal Husbandry Procedures does not require a physical examination to establish a therapeutic need the requirement prior to supply is to ensure an understanding of animal husbandry procedures and conditions and the number of animals to be treated.
Referrals
If you have previously examined an animal and it has been referred to another veterinarian, you may also use the records from the other veterinarian, when the patient is referred back to you, to carry on treatment initiated by the other veterinarian.
Records from the other veterinarian should provide guidance on revisits and repeats and it is important to review these records and discuss the progress of the case with the client before repeating supply.
If you have never physically examined the patient previously, a copy of records from another veterinarian (from another practice) is not sufficient to enable the patient to be considered under your direct care. If this patient requires a repeat supply of medication the other veterinarian will need to provide you with a written authority to supply (Code (cl 20(1)(b))) or you will need to perform a physical examination (Code (cl 20(1)(a))).
Written authorities
A written authority to supply is similar in format to a prescription but unlike a prescription:
1. It is addressed to a specific veterinarian or hospital to supply
2. An electronic copy is sufficient.
The Board strongly recommends that prior to supplying on a written authority, the veterinarian contacts the treating veterinarian to discuss the case.
Health
Schedule 8 medicines and drug register requirements
Drug registers are legally required for recording transactions with Schedule 8 (S8) medicines. Registers must be kept on the premises that S8 medicines are stored. Transactions include the receipt, supply, administration, and destruction of S8 medicines.
Each brand and strength of medicine must have its own dedicated page in the register and records made on the same day the transaction occurs.
Drug register entry requirements
Each entry must include:
• date of the transaction (receipt, supply, administration, destruction)
• quantity of the medicine
• the species of animal and the name and address of the animal’s owner or client
• signature of the person making the entry.
Only an authorised person, such as a veterinary practitioner, is permitted to make final entries in a drug register. For electronic drug registers, this must be someone who has been assigned a unique access credential.
Inventory requirements
An inventory of each S8 medicine must be conducted and recorded in the drug register twice a year, in March and September
If control of your veterinary practice changes for one month or more, a stock check must be completed at each handover to another veterinary practitioner, regardless of the time of year, including when you resume control.
Reporting requirements
A loss or destruction of part or all of a drug register must be reported to Pharmaceutical Services, see Notifying the loss or destruction of a drug register. Any loss or theft of a Schedule 8 (S8) or Schedule 4 Appendix D (S4D) must also be notified by submitting an online form
If an explained loss can be identified, a veterinarian must record this in the drug register, but there is no need to report it. Hub space is considered an explained loss; however, because it is difficult to be quantified it’s hard to record.
Doses should be entered in the drug register as administered. At the end of a bottle/vial etc., if the quantity lost exceeds the expected hub loss, and there’s no other explained reason for this, then this needs to be reported.
NSW Health has recently published a webpage on the Management of S8 medicines and in the new year will be creating web content specifically for veterinary practitioners.
Please subscribe for Pharmaceutical Service Unit news, alerts and updates.
NSW Health is currently in the process of developing a quarterly newsletter with information that applies to all health practitioners.
Digital signatures, prescriptions and compounded medications
Digital signatures do not constitute a legal signature for the purposes of prescribing.
If you require a compounded medication you must follow the requirements for writing prescriptions.
General requirements for handwritten prescriptions are available from the NSW Health publication Guide to Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Legislation for Veterinary Practitioners
Further information on computer generated prescriptions is available from the NSW Health publication Criteria for Issuing NonHandwritten (Computer Generated) Prescriptions
All veterinarians must appreciate the difference between ordering and supplying S4 and S8 medications from a veterinary wholesaler and writing prescriptions to be filled by a pharmacy, including a compounding pharmacy, and supplied to a client.
Non-veterinary staff are not permitted to provide instructions to a compounding pharmacy.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
VetWrap
VetWrap aims to connect you to animal surveillance insights to strengthen our shared biosecurity responsibilities.
Under its new format, VetWrap will shift its primary focus to NSW surveillance insights, while continuing to provide key updates on the global Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) situation.
Distributed at the start of each season, VetWrap will provide:
• Surveillance data for cattle, sheep, poultry and pigs, including:
• An overview of top diagnoses from the previous season across NSW
• Seasonal expectations for the current season based on historical trends
• Short seasonal updates for wildlife and companion animals
• Relevant resources to support seasonal or emerging issues
• Updates on training opportunities.
This refreshed format ensures VetWrap continues to be a practical, timely tool that supports the animal health workforce across NSW.
Subscribe here
Obligations when investigating notifiable diseases
Key
Points
• If a notifiable disease is a genuine differential or a confirmed positive case, you must notify a NSW DPIRD Authorised Officer.
• Prohibited matter must be reported verbally as soon as possible.
• Notifications must occur within one working day of medium/high-suspicion visits or receipt of positive results.
Any investigation where a notifiable disease is a genuine differential diagnosis, not simply an opportunistic rule-out, export test, or survey, must be formally notified to a NSW DPIRD Authorised Officer. The same applies to all confirmed positive cases.
Many notifiable diseases must be confirmed present or absent at the property level to support export certification. If positive cases are not formally notified, NSW risks missing detections and potentially compromising its access to international trade.
When to Notify:
If the disease is also a prohibited matter
A reasonable suspicion or awareness must be verbally reported as soon as possible to a NSW DPIRD Authorised Officer.
You can do this by:
• Calling LLS during business hours: 1300 795 299
• Calling the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline after hours: 1800 675 888
If the disease is not prohibited matter
Notification can be made by:
• Completing the Notifiable pests and diseases of animals reporting form and emailing it to animal.biosecurity@dpird.nsw.gov.au, or
• Reporting verbally to your local LLS District Veterinarian (DV) or Biosecurity Officer (BO) via 1300 795 299, or
• Emailing case details directly to animal.biosecurity@dpird.nsw.gov.au or
• Via the EAD Hotline: 1800 675 888.
Notifications must occur within one working day of:
• A medium or high-suspicion property visit, or
• Receipt of positive test results.
• Submitting Samples for Priority Diseases
Before sending samples for notifiable diseases that are:
• Prohibited matter
• Zoonotic (e.g., HPAI, Anthrax, Hendra virus, Lyssavirus, Japanese Encephalitis)
You must contact EMAI Customer Service before sending samples: 1800 675 623 (preferred)
This requirement applies to all zoonotic disease submissions, and to any submission where a notifiable disease is a genuine differential diagnosis.
Want to Know More?
For full detail on reporting and notification requirements, please refer to the procedures:
Biosecurity – Reporting notifiable pests and diseases of animals and biosecurity events
Notifiable pests and diseases of animals in NSW
New dog breeding laws in NSW—resources to help you lead the change
Laws that are changing
Non-desexed adult female dogs on premises
Litters per female dog
Caesareans per female dog
Staff to dog ratio
Advertising requirements
Laws before 1 Dec 2025
No limit
No limit
No limit
Not specified
Microchip OR breeder ID
The NSW Government is strengthening puppy and dog welfare across the state by implementing a range of new measures to ban puppy farming. The new laws apply to all dog breeders in NSW, including those with accidental litters.
Key changes from 1 December 2025
• Mandatory breeder identification number
• Lifetime breeding cap for dogs
• Minimum staff to dog ratios
• Changes to mandatory ID requirements for sale or transfer of dogs
• Restrictions on dog numbers
Resource kit available
To help you share and support these changes, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has created a free resource kit.
What’s inside:
• Fact sheets explaining the new laws
• Buyer’s checklist for responsible dog ownership
• Social media tiles + copy for easy sharing
• Newsletter content to spread the word
• Posters, bookmarks & Q&As for public engagement
Download the resource kit
Please note: Printed materials are available in limited quantities. We will do our best to fulfil your request. To receive printed materials, please complete this form.
Reporting concerns
If you suspect or witness poor or illegal breeding practices, you can make a complaint. Animal welfare inspectors will assess and investigate any concerns raised.
Reporting is not mandatory, but veterinary practitioners should be aware of their obligations under the Veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct
Learn more
For more information about the new laws and how they affect breeders, sellers and dog owners across NSW, visit our website to access resources, updates and support tools.
Board Guideline on Lifetime Breeding Limits for Dogs
Laws after 1 Dec 2025
Up to 20 unless exempt
Maximum of 5 in lifetime
Maximum of 3 in lifetime
1:20 dogs
Microchip AND breeder ID
NSW CVO Bulletin: Safe Samples, Strong Biosecurity
We’ve recently seen an increase in biological samples arriving at EMAI (NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories) without prior notification or clear labelling especially in cases where zoonotic risk or notifiable diseases may be involved.
Before sending samples:
• Call the lab if there’s any chance of zoonotic risk.
• Complete the correct submission form – include species, sample type, date, clinical history, suspected agents, hazard flags and your contact details (including mobile/after-hours phone).
Veterinary Submission Advice Form
• Label and package securely –use robust containers, secondary containment, and place the completed form inside the outer packaging.
• If you suspect a notifiable disease or EAD, please call the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 before sending samples.
Read the full CVO Bulletin
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
New resources for H5N1 avian influenza
Veterinary professional training in wildlife treatment and care
Taronga’s Veterinary Professional Training in Wildlife Treatment and Care is specifically designed for veterinarians and veterinary nurses and focuses on building the confidence, knowledge and skills required for the triage, first aid, treatment and care of (wild) Australian species.
This course is accredited with the Australian Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia for CPD points and is delivered via a blended learning model combining online distance education and an optional one-day intensive practical workshop.
To be eligible for participation in the course, participants must::
• be a fully qualified veterinary professional (i.e. vet, vet nurses and vet techs); and
• work in a veterinary clinic or hospital in Australia; or
• be an enrolled, final year veterinary science student (at this time we cannot accept vet nurse or vet tech students).
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Apply Now
H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has not been detected in Australia, however the Commonwealth government and the jurisdictions continue to prepare for the expected arrival of H5 bird flu here.
An outbreak of H5 bird flu in Australia is likely to significantly impact wildlife populations, the commercial poultry industries, and possibly, human health.
The veterinary profession will be a trusted source of information for the community in the event of an H5 outbreak, so it is critical that the profession is aware of the risks H5 bird flu poses, and the H5 bird flu resources available.
Following the delivery of four 2025 HPAI in wildlife face to face practical workshops across NSW to prepare for H5 bird flu, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health (the Registry) and NSW Health have expanded their H5 bird flu resources.
DPIRD’s updated HPAI/ H5 bird flu web page provides information and resources for stakeholders including veterinarians, government agencies, livestock owners, and First Nations Peoples.
H5 bird flu resources include factsheets, posters and biosecurity signs for vet clinics and other stakeholders.
The Registry has expanded the H5 bird flu resources available on their website to include the following:
HPAI Preparedness Workshop for Veterinary Professionals 2025 – Resource Manual
HPAI Preparedness Workshop for Veterinary Professionals 2025 – Presentation
HPAI Field Officer Workshop Training – Resource Manual and
HPAI Preparedness Resource Videos covering HPAI/H5 bird flu disease, correct donning and doffing of PPE, sample collection (swabbing) for HPAI/H5 bird flu and sample shipping to the EMAI lab.
Wildlife Health Australia continue to expand the H5 bird flu resources available at their H5 bird flu resource centre, including H5 wildlife guidelines, fact sheets, webinars, risk assessments, and human health resources.
The NSW Health bird flu (avian influenza) webpage provides information to help protect human health.
HPAI H5 Dairy webinar
A new strain of bird flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 HPAI), is causing widespread mortalities among birds and mammals across the globe.
Join us at this webinar 4 December at 11.30 am to gain critical insights into this emerging global threat.
This strain is spreading rapidly between continents through wild bird migration and has been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle.
Currently, Australia remains the only continent free from this strain. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has partnered with Dairy Australia to commission an independent risk assessment for H5N1 HPAI in Australian dairy cattle.
The report has now been finalised and key findings and what they mean for the Australian dairy industry will be discussed in this webinar.
Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission
Nationwide phase out of Surgical Artificial Insemination update
Greyhounds Australasia (GA), the peak body for the greyhound racing industry in Australia and New Zealand has announced a nationwide amendment to the racing rules that will prohibit the use of Surgical Artificial Insemination (SAI) in registered breeding greyhounds.
This change will be effective from 1 January 2026 and represents a significant transition for industry participants and veterinary practitioners.
The move to prohibit SAI has been driven by a commitment to supporting safer breeding practices and advancing animal welfare standards. This transition also encourages the adoption of an alternative assisted breeding technique, Transcervical Insemination (TCI), which is widely recognised for its safety and efficacy, particularly as the procedure does not involve anaesthesia or surgery.
Current literature and reported outcomes across canine breeds indicate the following pregnancy rates for TCI:
Fresh semen: 80–90%
Chilled semen: 60–80%
Frozen semen: 50–70%
GA data specifically notes an 80% whelping rate for TCI in greyhounds, provided high-quality semen is utilised and optimal timing is achieved.
Veterinary practitioners wishing to obtain approval to perform TCI on registered breeding greyhounds, or to seek further information about the phasing out of SAI can contact Greyhounds Australasia (GA) directly via email at:
admin@galtd.org.au or by phone during business hours on: 03 9548 3500
Alternatively, feel free to contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission for any queries you may have:
Contact us | Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission
Applying the precautionary principle in veterinary science
The precautionary principle is a cornerstone of professional decision-making across medicine, engineering, environmental science, and public health.
It means acting to prevent harm even when scientific evidence is incomplete. Rather than waiting for definitive proof that a practice causes harm, professionals intervene when there are reasonable grounds for concern.
This is not about abandoning evidence-based practice but about recognising that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
In veterinary practice, this principle applies directly to animal welfare. When you're uncertain about whether a practice causes suffering, you protect your patients first and investigate further afterwards.
Human medicine routinely applies this same principle. GPs managing suspected fractures don't withhold pain relief whilst waiting for radiography results to establish whether there's a fracture. They provide appropriate analgesia immediately based on clinical presentation, because the harm of undertreating pain is clear whilst the risk of appropriate pain relief is minimal.
Similarly, doctors treat suspected concussions with immediate rest protocols even when imaging shows nothing, because waiting for proof of brain injury before acting could worsen outcomes.
Veterinary Practitioners Board
The object of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 is to regulate the provision of veterinary services in NSW to promote animal welfare; ensure consumers are informed of the competencies required of veterinarians; ensure acceptable standards are required to be met by veterinarians; and provide public health protection.
Board members:
Magdoline Awad (President)
Peter Alexander
Allison Harker
Paul McGreevy
Sandra Nguyen
Ellenor Nixon
Julie Simmons
Neil Walton
Veterinary Practitioners Board
Suite 7.09, 247 Coward St Mascot NSW 2020
H: 8.30 am 4.30 pm
T: +61 8338 1177
E: admin@vpb.nsw.gov.au
W: www.vpb.nsw.gov.au
The information contained in this newsletter reflects the policies of the Veterinary Practitioners Board (Board) and the current NSW legislation.
Any advice on specific issues not relating to Board policy should be obtained from either the AVA or appropriate government department or your own legal advisors.
Hospital annual return data (continued)
After–hours services
Most small animal hospitals (55%) referred after-hours cases, whilst most mixed (85%) and large animal hospitals (82%) offered optional in-house staffing for after-hours cases.
Optional in-house staffing was the most common arrangement managing after-hours cases within small animal hospitals by LLS area with the exception of Greater Sydney (72% referral) and Hunter (61% referral).
Languages other than English
Staff in hospitals are able to speak in 69 languages other than English with the most common languages being Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Afrikaans. Two premises have staff able to communicate in sign languages.
Figure 2 Approach to after-hours cases (%) by hospital licence type