Veterinary services legislation
Background
In December 2020, PIRSA began a review of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 to ensure that the legislation aligns with both the contemporary nature of the veterinary profession and standards expected by users and providers of veterinary services.
Consultation was undertaken during 2020 and 2021 and, following consideration of stakeholder feedback, a draft Veterinary Services Bill 2022 was prepared.
Consultation on the draft Bill was open from 14 December 2022 to 19 February 2023 via YourSAy.
View the Veterinary Services Bill Public Consultation Summary Report ( ).
Transition to Veterinary Services Act 2023
On 6 July 2023, the Veterinary Services Bill 2023 was introduced to Parliament and passed through Parliament on 30 November 2023.
The Bill recognises the changes in veterinary practice and animal care since the current legislation, the Veterinary Practice Act 2003, came into effect. While maintaining important functions from the current legislation, the Bill introduces important changes, which include:
- modernising the Board structure
- supporting the Board’s effective regulation of the veterinary profession through expanded functions, including communication and transparency
- enabling increased flexibility of registration and providing for the registration of veterinary premises
- removing unnecessary offence provisions
- reducing administrative burden wherever possible.
It has subsequently been assented to by the Governor in Executive Council and is now referred to as the Veterinary Services Act 2023.
Development of the Veterinary Services Regulations 2025
In 2025, PIRSA undertook development of regulations needed to support the start of the Veterinary Services Act 2023.
Consultation on a discussion paper was open from 15 April to 14 May 2025 via yourSAy. The feedback informed the development of the Veterinary Services Regulations 2025, made by the Governor in November 2025.
Next steps
The Veterinary Practice Act 2023 and the Veterinary Services Regulations 2025 will start 1 July 2026. Until then, the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 and Veterinary Practice Regulations 2017 will continue to be in effect.
PIRSA is also working with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia to ensure a smooth transition from the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 to the Veterinary Services Act 2023. Until the new Act has commenced:
- the Board will continue to be known as the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia
- Board functions and operations will continue under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003
- Board composition and appointments will continue to reflect the requirements of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003
- all other requirements and offences under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 will still apply
- the requirement for premises registration will not start.
For more information regarding the transition, please contact PIRSA.VeterinaryServicesBill@sa.gov.au