1B. The ten guiding principles

1.  Your clients are entitled to expect that you will:

a. make animal welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most appropriate attention for animals committed to your care

b. ensure that all animals under your care are treated humanely and with respect

c. maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills

d. foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting their views and protecting client confidentiality

e. uphold the good reputation of the veterinary profession

f. ensure the integrity of veterinary certification

g. foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues

h. understand and comply with your legal obligations in relation to the prescription, safe-keeping and supply of veterinary medicinal products

i. familiarise yourself with and observe the relevant legislation in relation to veterinary surgeons as individual members of the profession, employers, employees and business owners

j. respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism