Vets on social media
In recent months, the Board has received complaints involving social media posts by veterinary practitioners.
When the Board receives a complaint involving social media use by a vet, it will consider if the relevant activity presents a risk to public safety or the health and wellbeing of animals; potentially breaches veterinary practice, privacy or other laws; may not be compliant with the Board's Guidelines; or otherwise risks the public's confidence in the profession. Based on its assessment, the Board may investigate the complaint. While the Board recognises the value in veterinary practitioners using social media to engage and share experiences with other veterinary practitioners (particularly for rural practitioners), you should exercise great care when discussing a case with peers on social media.
Like everyone, vets have a right to communicate via social media. However, just as with face-to face and other communication, the Board expects all vets to maintain professional standards when engaging online or via social media. Vets are expected to act ethically and professionally with their peers, animal owners and the general public in all communications. Social media posts should not involve the abuse or discrimination of others or present a risk to the public or the health and wellbeing of animals.
When using social media, you should:
- communicate professionally and respectfully with or about animal owners and their animals, your colleagues, employees and employer
- comply with appropriate standards of veterinary practice
- maintain professional boundaries
- comply with confidentiality and privacy obligations and avoid disclosing the personal information of other parties
- be careful about how you advertise services (you can use testimonials but you cannot unfavourably contrast another vet’s services with yours). Offences relating to advertising and incitement of unprofessional conduct by vets and their employers are in sections 58 and 59 of the Veterinary Practice Act 1997).
The Board recommends that veterinary businesses develop a social media policy for the workplace (if you do not already have one). Sample guidance may be found at:
You are also encouraged to review any currently available posts and website materials and remove any material that may be unprofessional or breach the law.
Related guidance