Veterinary Defence Association South Africa

Veterinary Defence Association South Africa A non-commercial "vets for vets" association. Provides professional protection and insurance program

The VDA offers its members a range of professional indemnity, business and personal insurance programs via Genoa and other insurers. The professional indemnity cover is specifically written to compliment the VDA’s professional protection services to provide unmatched professional protection for veterinarians. The VDA’s insurance program is just one of eight programs designed to protect and defend

the integrity and reputation of VDA members. These programs range from member education to risk management to dispute resolution to owner compensation to practice structure and procedures review to stress management to mental wellness. The VDA provides protection services ranging from advice and guidance with events, incidents and disputes; formulation of defence theme and strategy; alternate dispute resolution; veterinary board license defence; civil malpractice lawsuits and defence in consumer forums, small claims courts and any other relevant forum. The VDA also provides consent forms and certificates; bulletins on best practice; case reports, notices and alerts to members

Friday funnies
14/08/2026

Friday funnies

On World Elephant Day, we honour the critical role veterinarians play in wildlife conservation
12/08/2026

On World Elephant Day, we honour the critical role veterinarians play in wildlife conservation

What our VDA members say! As always, we love to help!
12/08/2026

What our VDA members say! As always, we love to help!

14/07/2026
“The Cost of Assumptions”The cost of veterinary care is rarely the real problem — assumptions are.At the Veterinary Defe...
10/07/2026

“The Cost of Assumptions”

The cost of veterinary care is rarely the real problem — assumptions are.

At the Veterinary Defence Association, we regularly assist members in cases where the clinical care was appropriate, yet complaints or regulatory investigations arise because of misunderstandings around costs, consent, and communication.

One line from our recent article captures this perfectly:

“Communication failures often create greater medico‑legal vulnerability than clinical decision‑making itself.”

In busy, high‑pressure clinical environments, it’s easy for information to be said but not fully understood. Clients may assume something was included in the estimate. Veterinarians may assume the client understood the risks, alternatives, or cost implications. These assumptions can become expensive — professionally, emotionally, and legally.

Three areas consistently lead to complaints:

Cost estimates that aren’t documented or updated

Clients are far more accepting of increased costs when they understand why they’ve arisen and have been involved in the decision-making.

Consent that isn’t revisited when circumstances change

Consent for one procedure does not extend to all future interventions. Additional diagnostics, extended hospitalisation, or new surgical needs require renewed consent.

Telephone or WhatsApp discussions that aren’t recorded

If it’s not documented, it’s very difficult to prove it happened — especially months or years later.

The takeaway?

Clear, structured, and well‑documented communication is not an administrative task. It is a clinical skill — and one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce medico‑legal risk.

Veterinarians who communicate transparently and document consistently are better positioned to protect themselves, support their clients, and safeguard their professional relationships.

If you’re ever uncertain about consent, communication, or a client concern, the VDA is here to help — early guidance can prevent a small misunderstanding from becoming a major complaint.

For the full article please visit our website: www.vda-southafrica.org for Aus www.vda-australia.org

For more information about the VDA please email: [email protected]

The VDA is more than a defence organisation. Our purpose is to protect the integrity of the veterinary profession — which means safeguarding not only veterinarians, but also the rights and welfare of owners and animals.

Veterinary Mental Health topic of the day: Processing trauma
06/07/2026

Veterinary Mental Health topic of the day: Processing trauma

On World Camel Day, we celebrate the veterinarians who are always willing to go the extra mile—and over the hump—to care...
22/06/2026

On World Camel Day, we celebrate the veterinarians who are always willing to go the extra mile—and over the hump—to care for these resilient animals.

On World Giraffe Day, we honour the veterinarians involved in the protection and care of our tall friends
21/06/2026

On World Giraffe Day, we honour the veterinarians involved in the protection and care of our tall friends

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