The ASAVA is much more than just a continuing education provider. The ASAVA through its committee and representatives is active within the profession and has a very public face. The ASAVA actively represents the interests of small animal veterinarians to the AVA, government and community groups. The following are some of the areas the ASAVA and the ASAVA committee are active in.

1. Representation in national affairs
ASAVA Committee members are based in each region of Australia. ASAVA committee members sit on the AVA Policy Council, scientific committee, therapeutics and nursing groups as well as many other AVA groups. The ASAVA is well placed to represent the interests of ASAVA members to the AVA and the general community.

2. Representation in International affairs
The ASAVA has a Representative in the WSAVA to keep abreast of advances in veterinary science around the world. Go to WSAVA to find out more.

3. Associates and employed veterinarians
The ASAVA has associate practitioners on committee to represent the interests of employed veterinarians.

4. Animal Welfare
The ASAVA committee is active and proactive in ensuring that the ASAVA has input into important animal welfare issues of relevance to small animal practitioners. We have members on AVACCAC.

5. Advancing Veterinary Knowledge
The ASAVA is proud to host an annual 5-day conference every year that is dedicated to providing continuing education and presenting advances in small animal practice. The annual ASAVA conference is a world-class educational event and is extremely popular due to a healthy mix of rigorous education with a friendly social setting.

The ASAVA provides additional online Continuing Education material. Members will find ASAVA and other small animal conference proceedings and quizzes along with an online version of the AVP.

The ASAVA is planning new regional mini-conferences. Currently we contribute financially to regional conferences to help smaller AVA groups.

The ASAVA is involved in the AVA scientific committee and run the small animal section of the AVA conference.

6. Australia Veterinary Practitioner
The Australia Veterinary Practitioner (AVP) is the ASAVA quarterly clinical journal. These are peer-reviewed articles and case studies. The material in these journals is relevant to modern small animal practice. Copies are available on line for members.

7. Hospital accreditation – Accredited Hospitals' Committee
Now independent, the AHC promotes the standard of excellence in hospital facilities and high-quality practice. A plaque recognising ASAVA Hospital Accreditation is awarded to veterinary hospitals who pass the assessments. ASAVA Hospital Standards are available from the secretariat as well as a booklet of hospital plans.

8. Veterinary nursing
As well as input to the veterinary nurse training package and the National Industry Advisory Group (NIAG), the ASAVA continues to support the vital veterinary nurse – veterinarian partnership.

9. ASAVA awards
The association applauds the contribution of practitioners to the profession with a variety of awards: Small Animal Practitioner of the Year, AVP awards, Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award and Distinguished Service Award.

10. ASAVA Conference proceedings
Copies of the ASAVA and AVA Conference (ASAVA stream) proceedings are provided to all members free of charge as a member benefit. The conference proceedings are available online to members.

11. Advancing Veterinary Knowledge
Apart from the educational opportunities at our conferences the ASAVA also has set up and helps fund the Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation (ACAHF). This foundation is dedicated to funding small animal clinical studies that benefit all pets.

12. Promotional material and Improving Client Relations
Material for members and their clients is available and constantly being updated. The brochures "Your Friend the Vet", "Your New Puppy - Starting off on the Right Paw", "Your New Kitten - A Bundle of Fun" are available to members at reduced rates. The ASAVA have Condolence Cards available which are designed as an expression of comfort from the veterinary practice to clients that have lost a much loved pet. 

To order go to the ASAVA Shop for an order form. Alternatively call the ASAVA ofice on (02) 9431 5090.

We recommend the ACAHF Memorial Donation Scheme to remember pets who have passed away. To find out more click here.