Veterinary Profession and Education
11 May 2025
WVA Model Veterinarians’ Oath
The primary purpose of the Veterinarians’ Oath is to formally commit new veterinarians to the ethical and professional standards of the veterinary profession. It is most used to swear in new veterinarians upon their entry into the profession, typically at or immediately following graduation from a veterinary educational establishment. This oath serves as a pledge to uphold ethical principles, acknowledge professional responsibilities, build public trust, commit to lifelong learning, and promote a global perspective on animal and public health.
Veterinary Profession and Education
10 May 2025
WVA Position Statement on Implementing Veterinary Continuing Education and Professional Development
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) encourages any organisation or institution that provides Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) programs, to: • Build upon and supplement the Day-One Competencies obtained in institutions of higher education that confer veterinary or veterinary para-professional qualifications; and, • Provide documentation for individuals to use for ongoing licensure or registration.
Veterinary Profession and Education
20 Apr 2025
WVA Position Statement on Veterinary Statutory Body
The World Veterinary Association holds that all veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals should be subject to the authority of the Veterinary Statutory Body (VSB) or equivalent Veterinary Professional Authority (VPA), which is established under the law of the jurisdiction or territory within which they practice or support the practice of veterinary medicine. An autonomous VSB/VPA, which may be known by a variety of different names, such as council, college, association or board, is necessary to ensure delivery of quality veterinary services. The VSB/VPA must be supported by legislative authority, function independently, and regulate all veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals within its jurisdiction.
Veterinary Profession and Education
5 Apr 2024
WVA Position Statement on Veterinary Para-Professionals
The WVA recognises the critical role played by Veterinary Para-Professionals (VPPs) in supporting the performance of veterinary veterinary services (PVS). Further, VPPs should be regulated by Veterinary Statutory Bodies (VSBs) or equivalent Veterinary Professional Authority (VPA) to perform tasks designated by territorial laws and guidelines. WVA also recognises that in some remote and rural areas […]
Veterinary Profession and Education
14 Mar 2024
WVA Position Statement on Day One Competencies for Veterinarians
At a global level, veterinary professionals must be competent to address issues related to the prevention and control of animal diseases to ensure animal health, animal welfare, public health, and environmental and ecosystem health. Using WOAH Day-1 Competencies as a foundation, WVA recommends that all veterinary training programs incorporate the following Day-One Competencies along with […]
Veterinary Profession and Education
14 Mar 2024
WVA Position Statement on Identifying a Veterinary Professional
Only individuals qualified by virtue of completing appropriate education and training can be identified as a veterinary doctor, veterinarian, veterinary surgeon or any other term that implies that they are entitled to engage in the professional practice of veterinary medicine pursuant to registration by the statutory veterinary regulatory authority in their jurisdiction.
Veterinary Profession and Education
14 Apr 2022
WVA Position Statement on the Preparation of veterinary educators to innovate veterinary medical instruction
The WVA recognizes a need to innovate and adapt veterinary educational processes in veterinary education establishments (VEEs). Well-structured and sufficiently resourced veterinary educational programs are needed to prepare veterinary students for challenges in contemporary practice and other careers (private and public practice).
Veterinary Profession and Education
6 Jul 2021
WVA Policy on the Role of the Veterinarian in Animal Welfare – Revision 2
It is widely acknowledged that animal welfare science is a dynamic and multidisciplinary field. Its application includes scientific and ethical obligations to the physical and mental well-being of animals, and it also has ethical implications in regards to human social and cultural needs.
One Health
22 Apr 2021
Position on the Role of Veterinarians in Food Safety
The contribution of the veterinary profession to the safety of food of animal origin is well recognised and valued by the WVA.
Veterinary Profession and Education
22 Apr 2021
WVA Position Statement on Telemedicine
The WVA acknowledges the advances in telecommunication technology and its impact on veterinary practice.