VDA South Africa - Veterinary Defence Association

The VDA is a non-commercial association of veterinarians, managed by a panel of twelve veterinarians.
When you become a member, the VDA will protect YOUR integrity and reputation.
The VDA looks after the concerns of animal owners, who benefit by receiving carefully considered explanations where adverse incidents occur and compensation where appropriate.

The VDA is the ONLY professional veterinary defence organisation in South Africa!

VDA South Africa headquarters are situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. Phone: Office hours 011 432 1000 or 24/7 Helpline: 087 550 9000 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

VDA membership offers everything that the mere insurance companies endorsed by the national veterinary association offers PLUS MORE, including:

Management of incidents, events and disputes as they arise in day-to-day practice.
Advice and guidance provided by dedicated, specially trained, experienced veterinarians.
Alternate Dispute Resolution with owners and compensation for owners when the veterinarian fails to meet minimum required professional standards.
Management of the defence of complaints and claims from the time they arise until concluded, ensuring that you are in the best position to defend yourself.
Assistance with composing certificates, reports and responses.
Preventive measures in the form of consent forms, model certificates, record keeping, bulletins dealing with best defensive practice and notices of issues of direct and immediate importance to members.
A weekly newsletter (Barks ‘n Bytes) in which actual cases defended by the VDA are discussed and analysed.