---
title: Code of Professional Conduct
slug: code-of-professional-conduct
docTags: 
createdAt: 2023-01-17T23:25:50.000Z
---

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 (simply scroll down and click "Next").

Download the latest PDF version of the Code of Professional Conduct:

::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/5ZTpSgccSDCXbym7d-uMH/q2UNy4R65iW1AWQAQEjwK_10-26-veterinary-council-of-nz-code-of-professional-conduct.pdf" label="10_26 Veterinary Council of NZ Code of Professional Conduct.pdf"}

***

:::Changelog{title="Updates"}
::ChangelogItem{type="added" description="New version published January 2020 (new Veterinary Medicines section)"}

::ChangelogItem{type="improved" description="New Code principles included and minor edits January 2023"}

::ChangelogItem{type="added" description="New numbering system introduced July 2025"}

::ChangelogItem{type="added" description="Changes relating to the definitions of "Under the care of a veterinarian" and "specific and limited range of veterinary services" added March 2026"}
:::