Veterinary Defence Association
Your Professional Protection Just Got Upgraded!
Protecting Your Reputation. Strengthening the Veterinary Profession.
Why Choose The VDA?
Dedicated Support The VDA members can reach out to us anytime via email, and we guarantee a response within 48 hours.
Exclusive VDA Member PI Protection – Why switch to the VDA Member exclusive scheme?
- Preferential member-only premiums
- Representation from trusted law firms -in the event of an SAVC Claim
- Risk-management resources – to help prevent claims and protect your practice
Professional Defence Your reputation matters. Through our trusted insurance partners, the VDA ensures you are protected and supported. Membership includes expert guidance and assistance from consultants committed to safeguarding the integrity and professional standing of every member.
Services Provided by The VDA
- Member Professional Protection Insurance Scheme: The VDA members benefit from a dedicated insurance policy designed to indemnify registered veterinary professionals for legal liability arising from professional services. Further information below:
- Alternate Dispute Resolution: (ADR) is probably our most effective tool:
- Investigation Assistance: Assistance in dealing with investigations by any statutory controlling body including the SAVC, Medicines Control Council, or any other body or forum.
- Owner Complaints and Disputes: Handling complaints of professional misconduct and civil claims of veterinary medical negligence.
- Preventative Measures: Providing consent forms, model certificates, record-keeping, and bulletins
- Civil Proceedings: Defence against civil proceedings.
My VDA
Login to access your membership Handbook, Policy information and all other important information.
Our Team
- Experienced consultants with decades of expertise in veterinary legal and administrative support
- Practicing and retired veterinarians who understand the realities of the profession
- Dedicated to investigating each case thoroughly and providing members with the best possible advice and support
Join today
The VDA is more than a defence organisation. Our purpose is to protect the integrity of the veterinary profession — which means safeguarding not only veterinarians, but also the rights and welfare of owners and animals.
Why We’re Different
State veterinary boards often focus solely on consumer protection, which can create imbalances that harm both owners and animals in the long run.
The VDA offers fair, balanced Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), ensuring disputes are handled with integrity and transparency.
In most cases, owners simply want answers. The VDA is the only organisation that carefully analyses the facts of a dispute and provides clear, balanced explanations of what may have gone wrong with an animal’s treatment.
A taste of our Barks and Bytes
Case Etiquette: When a Complaint Has Been Made
Case Etiquette: When a Complaint Has Been Made What to Do, What Not to Do, and Why Stepping Back Matters Receiving a complaint can be one of the more unsettling experiences in veterinary practice. Even when a veterinarian remains confident in the clinical care…