For Employers

The role of AVPRC serves to support the veterinary sector by setting and enforcing practicing standards

The AVPRC, is the voluntary regulatory body that sets and maintains the standards for veterinary nurses, technicians, and allied veterinary professionals (together known as AVPs). It works with AVPs to ensure they are competent and fit to practise in New Zealand. Employers also contribute to public safety by ensuring the AVPs they employ meet the standards for AVP practice.

All employers of AVPs are encouraged to ensure that their AVPs are holding a current annual practising certificate. This helps to confirm the AVP is in good standing on the register, as well as ensuring the registrant is current with CPD, adhering to the Code of Conduct, and declared to be legally, mentally, and physically fit to practice.

The AVPRC offers an online Search the register function for both employers and AVPs to check that an AVP’s annual practising certificate is current. This search is not definitive. If you as an employer have any questions please contact the AVPRC.

If you have concerns about an AVP, contact us.

Me aha ngā kaiwhakawhiwhi mahi? What must employers do?

If an AVP has declared they are registered, yet they do not appear on the online register, the AVPRC encourages the employer to have an open conversation with the employee to ascertain if there is a reasonable explanation for the issue. An employer can also contact the AVPRC to inform if there is a suspected misrepresentation.

Employers are encouraged to contact the AVPRC when dismissing an AVP from employment for competence-related reasons, and when an AVP resigns because of competence-related reasons.

If an employer of an AVP has reason to believe the AVP may be unable to perform the functions of their job because of a mental or physical condition (including an impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse) they are encouraged to promptly contact the AVPRC with written notice of all the circumstances. 

The AVPRC works within legal limitations of voluntary regulation and will consult with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand on all matters relevant to issues outside of its legal scope.