The Code sets out the professional standards the public, the profession and VCNZ expect veterinarians to meet and to be measured against.

All veterinarians should read the Code and become familiar with its main principles. The principles are intended to be broad enough to set expectations for veterinarians in any area of veterinary practice. 

Members of the public can also check the Code to find out the standards expected of veterinarians.

The Code is reviewed constantly on a section-by-section basis. Always check to make sure you are reading the most up to date version (which can be found on this page).

PDF version of the Code of Professional Conduct

New version published January 2020 (new Veterinary Medicines section)

New Code principles included and minor edits January 2023

New numbering system introduced July 2025

Changes relating to the definitions of "Under the care of a veterinarian" and "specific and limited range of veterinary services" added March 2026

Updates

Competency Standards and Performance Indicators for Veterinarians

Code of Professional Conduct

Introduction

The Hub

Policy on Registration

Policy on Limited Registration

Policy for veterinarians practising under AVE Limited Registration

Policy on Provisional Registration

Policy on Specialist Registration

Policy on registration under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act

Policy on qualifications and post nominal titles for inclusion on the Register of Veterinarians

Registration policies

Policy on Competence and Competence Assessment

Policy on the management of health impaired veterinarians

Regulatory functions

Policy on the collection and handling of personal information

Information Security Policy

Policy on the management of conflicts of interest

Governance Policies

Policies

Policy on English Competence and English Tests

Policy on Recency of Practice

Policy on the use of titles

Registration standards

Summary: The 7 principles

1. Animal welfare

2. Client relationships

3. Professional relationships

4. Professional integrity

5. Veterinary services

6. Veterinary medicines

7. Legislative requirements

Glossary

Statement: Authorisation of Xylazine for use by non-veterinarians

Prohibiting the use of Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials

Authorisation During Major Disruptive Events and Emergencies

Health Practitioners Undertaking Surgical Procedures on Animals

Compounding Veterinary Medicines

Discretionary Use of Human and Veterinary Medicines by Veterinarians

Cattle Disbudding and Dehorning by Non-Veterinarians

Authorisation of Dry Cow Therapy - Effective until 30 December 2026

Authorisation of Dry Cow Therapy - Effective from 1 January 2027

Manufacturing Veterinary Medicines

Certification of fitness for transport of livestock

Induction of Calving in Cattle

Authorisation of adult cat and dog vaccinations for administration by veterinary nurses during the current veterinary workforce shortage

Statements

Guidance on Veterinary Care for Farm Dogs

Veterinary Guidance for Managing Public Presentations of Sick or Dead Wild Birds During an HPAI Outbreak

Guidance for authorisation of controlled drugs in veterinary medicine

Guidance on AI Transcription and Client Privacy: Protecting Personal Information in the Digital Age

Delegating procedures on cats and dogs to veterinary nurses and technicians

Can a veterinarian send expired RVMs to charities offshore

Health practitioners undertaking non-surgical procedures on animals

Reclassification of fentanyl, tramadol, zopiclone and zolpidem

Veterinary supervision

Flystrike table

Dry Cow Antibiotic Therapy

Recent changes to penicillin withholding periods

Remote Veterinary Care (Telehealth and Telemedicine)

Anaesthetic Monitoring

Dealing with cases of suspected or actual animal abuse and family violence

Social media

Veterinarians' role in Maintaining New Zealand's Biosecurity

Non-consented human medicines used by veterinarians

Mentoring Guidelines

Standard for specific and limited services

Meat Processing in New Zealand

Guidance

Untitled

Client relationships

Technical advice

Guidance on Critical Reasoning, Team Learning and Safety-focused practices in Veterinary Clinics

Communicating emergency care, after hours services to clients

Pregnancy in the Veterinary Workplace

Emergency services advice for new practices

Handling complaints

Accredited employer work visa

Opening vet clinics on Easter Sunday

Practice guidance

Guidance on completing your Annual Practising Certificate (APC) application

Process guidance

Professional standards and guidance

Case study: Diagnostic decision making and client communication

Case study: Client communication and informed consent

Case study: Informed consent and the competence assessment process

Case study: What happens when a veterinarian falls short of the expected standard?