Professional ethics and conduct
Professional ethics help us decide what we ought to do. Standards of conduct describe the behaviour expected of us in practice. Together, they support safe care, respectful relationships and accountability.
AVPRC Code of Conduct
The AVPRC Code of Conduct sets out the professional behaviour expected of practitioners within our voluntary regulatory framework. It provides a shared reference for practitioners, students, educators, employers and animal owners.
AVPRC registrants are expected to understand the Code and apply it in their work. Concerns about a registrant’s conduct may be considered through AVPRC’s processes, including disciplinary investigation where appropriate.
The seven principles
The Code is organised around seven principles of equal importance:
Respect the dignity, values, and individuality of caregivers (clients).
Work in partnership with caregivers and colleagues to provide a high standard of animal welfare.
Provide safe and competent care to animals.
Respect the privacy and confidentiality of caregivers.
Work within legislative requirements to best ensure acceptable outcomes for the caregiver and animal.
Act with integrity to justify caregivers’ trust.
Maintain public trust and confidence in the veterinary profession and strive to provide a high standard of Allied Veterinary Practice.
The full Code includes supporting guidance explaining how these principles apply. Read the principles alongside that guidance.
Using the Code in practice
Use the Code when considering a difficult decision, discussing care with colleagues, reviewing an incident or reflecting on your professional development.
Ask yourself:
What does the animal need, and whose interests are affected?
What information, evidence or advice do I need?
What responsibilities and requirements apply?
How will I explain and record my decision?
Printable posters of the seven principles are available for use in workplaces and teaching spaces.
Ethical principles in practice
The following principles help practitioners consider the effects of their decisions on animals, people and the environment. They complement the Code of Conduct.
Beneficence: promoting wellbeing
Act to benefit animals and people, considering their needs and legitimate interests. Seek outcomes that improve health, welfare and wellbeing.
Non-maleficence: preventing harm
Identify risks and take reasonable steps to prevent or minimise harm. Contribute to working conditions and systems that support safe care, and raise concerns when safety or welfare is compromised.
Trust and transparency
Build trust through clear communication, integrity and empathy. Explain decisions and uncertainties honestly, and be open about relevant limitations or conflicts of interest.
Honesty and accountability
Take responsibility for your decisions, actions and professional conduct. Keep accurate records, recognise your limits, maintain competence and learn from feedback and mistakes.
Cultural safety
Respect people’s dignity, values, identities and agency. Reflect on how your assumptions, biases and professional position may affect others.
Listen to Māori and non-Māori clients and colleagues, support their participation in decisions and respond to their cultural needs and preferences.
Animal welfare
Recognise animals as sentient beings and advocate for their physical and mental wellbeing. Use contemporary welfare frameworks, including the Five Domains, to consider their experiences and opportunities for a good life.
Meet applicable welfare requirements while considering how care can improve the animal’s overall quality of life.
Sustainability
Consider the longer-term effects of care on animals, people, communities and the environment. Use resources responsibly and support sustainable working practices.
One Health, One Welfare and te ao Māori offer perspectives on interconnected wellbeing. These perspectives can inform practice while retaining their distinct meanings.
Related professional guidance
Professional associations, including NZVNA, provide guidance and support for their professions.
The Veterinary Council of New Zealand’s Code of Professional Conduct sets expectations for veterinarians within its statutory regulatory framework. It can help other team members understand veterinarians’ responsibilities, but its requirements should not automatically be treated as rules governing every animal healthcare profession.
Read about roles and responsibilities · Read about regulation and professional representation
Feedback on the Code
We welcome feedback from practitioners, students, educators, employers and animal caregivers.
Use the form below to suggest improvements, identify unclear wording or describe areas where further guidance would help. Please avoid including identifiable caregiver or patient information in general feedback.
Updated September 2026