What is the role of the Veterinary Surgeons Board?The Board aims to protect consumers by maintaining a high standard of veterinary practice within the state. The Board also maintains the registers of veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists.  All veterinary surgeons must be registered with the Board to practice in SA.  You should contact the Registrar to discuss your request.

Can I complain about fees charged by a vet? Fees are not regulated in Australia, though most vets charge within a range for their services.  You can only complain about the fees charged if they significantly exceed the quotation you received for the service.

What about payment of accounts - can I make a complaint about collecting payment?  No - vets generally require payment for their services at the time service is provided.  This is consistent with other health service providers.  Some vets will be willing to send an account; you should always discuss payment with the vet before the service is provided.  Some vets will be prepared to make arrangements for payment of fees over time.  This is up to individual vets, and these arrangements are negotiated on a case by case basis.

Can a vet refuse to provide a service?  Yes.  Vets can refuse to see your animal - though there is usually a reason for this.  However, a vet should not refuse to see an animal if it is an emergency situation.  In these circumstances, as a minimum, the vet should ensure the animal is provided with pain relief.    It may be that the vet has to refer the animal on for further treatment.

Can I make a complaint about the treatment given to my animal?  Yes.  You can complete a complaint form (see the Forms page of this site).  You may prefer to discuss your query with the Registrar first; telephone the office on (08) 8269 3216.

Can I make a complaint about the conduct of the vet?  Yes.   All vets should provide a professional service.   Disagreements may occur however.   You should discuss your query with the Registrar in the first instance.

Who owns the clinical records for my pet?  The vet does: but a copy of your records should be provided to you on your request.  You may be asked to pay a photocopying charge.  X-rays are not provided however.  These remain the property of the vet clinic. 

What about a second opinion?  You can get a second opinion on your pet.  You do not need a referral from your treating vet.  In these circumstances, the treating vet should provide a copy of the clinical records (including any X-rays), to the vet providing the second opinion.