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.
