How long does an investigation into a complaint typically take?
Investigations into veterinarians conduct and veterinary premises will be carried out as expeditiously as possible as per the complaints administrative processes but there is no set time frame as each case is assessed on its merits and may have to await review by the Complaints Committee or the Board.
I think I have been overcharged, what can the VSRBSA do?
The VSRBSA cannot regulate fees charged by veterinarians for services or medication. There is no scale of fees that limits the fees charged by veterinarians and aggrieved clients are encouraged to raise their concerns directly with the veterinarian or contact Consumer and Business Services.
Can a veterinarian threaten to not release an animal?
Veterinarians have a duty towards animal welfare to alleviate suffering and have an obligation to report to the RSPCA if they are concerned about the welfare of an animal. If you believe that a veterinarian has wrongfully reported concerns about your animal, which has resulted in your animal not being released to you, you need to speak with the RSPCA and/or lodge a formal complaint with the VSRBSA.
The above FAQs are for general information only and are not intended to be complete. It is your responsibility to exercise your professional judgement and seek appropriate professional and/or legal advice on complying with codes, professional standards and guidelines prepared by the Veterinary Services Regulatory Board of South Australia under the Veterinary Services Act 2023.