Resources


Resources

In this section, you’ll find useful resources from the ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board, including policies, legislation, and guidance materials. These documents are here to support veterinary professionals and help the community understand how veterinary care is regulated in the ACT.

Forms for veterinary practitioners

Forms for veterinary premises

Policies

Failure to comply with these policies may result in a finding of unsatisfactory professional conduct in the event of a Board complaint investigation. These policies are general and should not be taken as legal advice. Please see the Veterinary Practice Act 2018 and the Veterinary Practitioners Code of Professional Conduct for more information.

Clinical practice standards

Policies that guide the direct provision of veterinary care and treatment.

Professional conduct and ethics

Policies that define ethical obligations and professional behaviour.

Practitioner competence and development

Policies related to qualifications, ongoing education, and scope of practice.

Practice management and operations

Policies concerning the operation and management of veterinary practices.

Communication and stakeholder engagement

Policies about communication within the profession and with the public.

Governance and oversight

Policies related to the internal governance of the Vet Board.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Policies promoting inclusive and equitable professional environments.

Legislation

Veterinary practitioners working in the ACT should make themselves familiar with the following legislation:

Other Acts also apply to veterinary practitioners in the ACT, including:

Video

Guidance

Understanding the risks of "anaesthesia-free dentistry" in pets

In the ACT, there are services reported to be offering “anaesthesia-free dentistry” for pets. These procedures typically involve cleaning or scaling a pet’s teeth while fully conscious. While these services may appear to be a low-risk alternative to procedures performed under anaesthesia, it is important to understand their limitations and associated risks.

Why dental health matters

Dental disease is common in companion animals and can lead to significant health issues if left untreated, including chronic pain, tooth loss, and potential impacts on systemic health. Regular veterinary dental check-ups and appropriate treatment can help prevent these outcomes and support overall wellbeing.

Key considerations

Stress and restraint

Conscious animals undergoing dental procedures require physical restraint. This can be a source of stress for the animal, particularly if there is discomfort or pain. Repeated exposure may lead to increased sensitivity or behavioural avoidance, especially around the mouth and face.

Superficial cleaning only

These procedures generally focus on cleaning visible surfaces above the gum line. However, dental disease in pets often occurs below the gum line, where it cannot be seen without proper tools and techniques. Surface cleaning may give the appearance of improved dental health without addressing underlying issues.

Ongoing disease and pain

Because subgingival (below the gum) disease can persist undetected, animals may continue to experience oral discomfort or pain after the procedure. Owners may be unaware of ongoing issues if they rely solely on visual improvement.

Diagnostic limitations

A comprehensive dental examination requires the pet to be under general anaesthesia by a registered veterinarian. This allows the veterinarian to examine all tooth surfaces thoroughly, including probing below the gum line and taking dental radiographs if necessary. These steps are essential for diagnosing periodontal disease and other oral health problems that are not visible during a conscious examination.

The role of anaesthesia in veterinary dentistry

Anaesthesia enables a complete and pain-free examination and treatment, without the need for forceful physical restraint. It improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes, while also minimising distress for the animal.

Recommendations

Pet owners are encouraged to consult their veterinarian to develop an appropriate dental health plan, which may include:

  • Regular professional dental check-ups under anaesthesia.
  • Home dental care (e.g., brushing, dental chews) as recommended.
  • Monitoring for signs of oral discomfort or changes in eating habits.

Additional reading and references

Equine dentistry in the ACT

A statement from the ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board regarding the Veterinary Practice Act 2018 with regard to Equine Dentistry in the ACT:

The ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board has received numerous inquiries from horse owners in the ACT regarding the use of power tools by Equine Dentists (lay-persons). In response, the ACT Government reviewed the Veterinary Practice Act 2018 (the Act) in early 2024 and conducted a stakeholder consultation on a proposed amendment to the Act, that would allow non-veterinary professionals with a Diploma of Equine Allied Health to perform equine dentistry using power tools.

The consultation was distributed to all Veterinary Practitioners and Premises in the ACT, as well as several other identified professional bodies. The Board received 55 submissions, with 12 supporting the amendment and 43 opposing it. After careful consideration of all feedback, 30 August 2024 the Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne MLA reviewed the information and decided against the amendment of the Restricted Acts of Veterinary Science.

BAER testing in dogs

This guidance explains how ACT veterinary legislation and professional obligations apply to BAER testing in dogs. It is intended for veterinarians, veterinary staff, animal organisations, BAER testing providers, and dog owners.

What is BAER testing?

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing is a method used to assess hearing function.

It involves:

  • placing small electrodes on the animal
  • delivering sound stimuli (usually clicks via earphones)
  • recording electrical responses from the auditory pathway in the brainstem

The test produces a trace (waveform) that can be interpreted to determine whether hearing is:

  • normal
  • present in one ear only (unilateral deafness)
  • absent in both ears (bilateral deafness)

BAER testing is commonly used in dogs as part of health screening and breeding programs.

Key point

BAER testing involves both:

  • technical data collection, and
  • clinical interpretation and certification

These are treated differently under the law.

The Board’s interpretation

Technical testing

The physical performance of BAER testing (e.g. electrode placement and operation of equipment) may be undertaken by a non-veterinarian.

Veterinary acts (restricted)

The following are, in the Board’s view, acts of veterinary science:

  • prescribing BAER testing as a diagnostic veterinary service
  • interpreting the result for the purpose of diagnosis
  • diagnosing hearing status or deafness
  • certifying hearing or disease status

These are treated as restricted acts of veterinary science.

Do I need a veterinarian to “order” the test?

BAER testing may be performed as a technical procedure without prior veterinary prescription.

However:

  • if the test is used to diagnose hearing status, or
  • if a certificate is issued

then a veterinarian must be involved.

In these situations:

  • the veterinarian must have a sufficient and defensible basis for their professional judgement
  • this includes appropriate familiarity with the animal and the testing context
  • the veterinarian is responsible for interpretation and any certification

A veterinarian should not certify BAER results unless satisfied that they have adequate knowledge to do so in accordance with current standards of veterinary practice.

Sedation

If sedation or anaesthesia is required, veterinary requirements apply.

Administration of anaesthetic agents other than under the immediate and direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner is a restricted act.

Responsibility of the veterinarian

Where a veterinarian is involved, they remain accountable for:

  • whether the test is appropriate
  • the level of supervision
  • interpretation of results
  • any diagnosis made
  • any certification issued
  • the appropriateness of the testing site

This reflects professional obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct.

Testing location

Where BAER testing forms part of a veterinary service, the veterinarian must ensure that it is conducted in an appropriate setting, including compliance with veterinary premises requirements where applicable.

Simple summary

Activity

Board view

Technical BAER test

May be performed by non-veterinarian

Diagnosis from result

Veterinary responsibility

Certification of status

Restricted veterinary act

Sedation/anaesthesia

Veterinary requirements apply

Accountability

Rests with veterinarian when involved

Why this approach

This approach allows:

  • technical testing to remain accessible, while
  • ensuring that diagnosis, certification, and accountability remain with veterinarians

Further information

For further information, contact the ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board.

Contact details

ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board

  • Phone: 02 6207 0012
  • Email: ced.vetboard@act.gov.au
  • Post: ACT Registrar, ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.