Responsible Pet Breeders Australia is committed to the welfare of all the animals being bred, regardless of pedigree. As part of this commitment, registered breeders in RPBA start out with a probationary membership period of 12 months. In order to become a Full Member, members are required to have a vet audit of their property to ensure they are in compliance with the RPBA Code of Ethics.
Over the past couple of years we have heard our members’ concerns about vet visits being too difficult to schedule in rural or far-flung areas. As a result, RPBA is proud to introduce our new Virtual Vet Audit feature that will help dog breeders and cat breeders throughout Australia attain full membership even if it is challenging to find a vet who has the free time to visit their property.
The process is still the same as the in-person Vet Audit, only you will need to have an internet-connected smart device with a camera, such as a smartphone or tablet, as you will be showing the vet all the items on the Vet Audit checklist.
Before beginning the Virtual Vet Audit process, it’s important to have all the necessary documentation ready so that everything goes quickly and smoothly. You may follow this link to request your vet audit documentation to prepare for your vet audit.
The Virtual Vet Audit process is split into two parts: the Animal Assessment Document and Breeder Acknowledgement, and the Virtual Vet Audit itself.
For the Animal Assessment Document, you will need to fill out the details of your breeding animals and the litters your females have previously had. This document must be initialed and dated by your veterinarian before you begin the Vet Audit – this helps ensure that your animals are well cared for and have been seen by a vet within the last 12 months.
For the Breeder Acknowledgement, you will need to sign to show that you agree to the conditions of the RPBA Code of Ethics and will comply with the requirements of being a RPBA Full Member.
Once you have these two documents ready, you can proceed to book your Virtual Vet Audit.
The Virtual Vet Audit will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, and you will effectively be giving the vet a “tour” of your premises and breeding set-up. The vet will check whether you comply with the audit requirements and then forward the results to our membership team.
Once you have had your Virtual Vet Audit, you must submit the Animal Assessment Document and Breeder Acknowledgement (as well as any relevant images) within 3 months. If you are unable to submit all documentation within 3 months, you will be required to have a new audit to be able to be approved as a Full Member.
We also have a process in place for members of other breeding organisations, such as Ethical Pet Breeders, to become full RPBA members at a discount.
Please visit the Virtual Vet Audit page for more information as well as the terms and conditions of the Virtual Vet Audit.