Annual Practising Certificates

Annual Practising Certificate Renewal 2008-09
 
The current practising year starts on 1 April 2008. All those practising during the year 1 April 2008-31 March 2009 must be registered and maintain a current practising certificate.
 
2008-09 Practising Certificate application forms (PDF)
2008-09 Practising Certificate application notes (PDF)
 
If you are not already registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, click here.
 
The annual fee remains the same, at $275.62 for practising veterinarians and $56.25 for non-practising veterinarians. A pro rata fee policy is in place for those taking out a practising certificate during the year. Refer to the fees page for details. Definitions of practising and non-practising are provided below. Ensure that you keep the Council informed of any changes of address. It is your statutory responsibility to do so, in writing.
 
 
Definition of Practising
 
'Practice' is described as any aspect of veterinary endeavour. The practice of veterinary science is described as:

  • signing any certificate
  • prescribing
  • treating
  • reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using the knowledge, skills and competence initially attained for the BVSc degree. 'Practice' goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice and health and welfare management

A key question to ask when considering whether a current practising certificate is required, is: Does the position held by the person carry or convey the expectation that the holder is a veterinarian?
 
There is further advice on practising and non-practising registration in the Veterinary Handbook (provided free to all New Zealand resident practising veterinarians, and on payment of a fee to others).
 
 
Definition of Non-Practising
 
A veterinarian who is registered as non-practising is bound by all the statutory and ethical obligations of the Veterinarians Act 2005 but is not entitled to practise as a veterinarian and therefore is not entitled to treat, prescribe prescription animal remedies or give advice in a veterinary capacity. The non-practising category is intended to allow a veterinarian who is retired, overseas, taking time out, or working in areas where registration is not required, to retain their name on the register, and to remain in touch with the profession by receiving publications and communication from the Council.