What does SAVC mean in VETERINARY

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) is a statutory body established by the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act 19 of 1982), as amended. It was established to regulate the veterinary profession and uphold standards of professional conduct among veterinarians.

The SAVC registers all qualified veterinarians and para-veterinarians in South Africa. It also sets ethical and technical standards for those practicing in these professions. Additionally, the SAVC monitors the performance of its members through inspections and audits, and has powers to act against practitioners who breach regulations or act unethically.

To become a registered member with the SAVC, you will need to complete an application form that outlines your relevant qualifications and experience. Once your application form has been received, it will be reviewed by the registration committee and you may be required to sit for an aptitude test before your registration can be approved.

To be eligible for membership with the SAVC, an applicant must hold a recognised veterinary qualification from a University accredited with SAQA, or equivalent qualifications from an internationally recognised university or institution.

Once you are successfully registered as a member of SAVC, you will receive confirmation that includes your assigned registration number which should be retained at all times while practicing professionally as a veterinarian in South Africa. You are also required to pay annual subscription fees to retain your registration status.

Members are sent out renewal notices approximately two months prior to their annual subscription date reminding them to renew for another year. This enables them to stay current on any changes or amendments within legalities regarding professional practice regulations so that they can remain compliant at all times when working professionally as veterinarians in South Africa.

Yes – Veterinarians have access to continuous professional development opportunities through both online courses offered by external providers accredited with SAQA, as well as numerous face-to-face seminars presented by experts in their fields which may offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points towards their membership requirements with The South African Veterinary Council.

Graduates who enter into practice without significant experience are afforded certain levels of support from senior members who have been practicing longer under mentoring programs organised by local branches held within provinces across South Africa. Experienced mentors guide new BVSc graduates through supervised cases until they gain knowledge and confidence enough to go solo in practice roles completely independently.