The Unified Voice of South African Veterinary Professionals

Protecting, promoting, and advancing the needs of veterinarians and animal healthcare across South Africa.

Become a SAVA Member
Find a Registered Vet

CPD & Education

Access VetNews quiz modules, event bookings, and SAVC compliance tracking.

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VetProtect & Practice Support

Legal guidance, Act 36/101 dispensing updates, and indemnity insurance

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Classifieds & Careers

Buy/sell practices, post vacancies, and find locum placements.

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Member Wellness & Support

24/7 Stress Hotline, peer support, and the Benevolent Fund

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About the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA)

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is the professional body dedicated to supporting and representing veterinarians across South Africa. As a voluntary association, we serve as a collective voice for the profession, ensuring that our members are empowered to provide the highest standard of care for animals while promoting the essential role of veterinary science in society.

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Why join SAVA?

Mouthpiece for the Profession

SAVA represents veterinarians in direct negotiations with government departments (such as DALRRD) and the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

Development & Education

Members receive free CPD opportunities through monthly quiz modules linked to VetNews and discounted rates for events and congresses.

Legislative & Legal Defense

SAVA acts to protect the legal rights of practitioners, participates in drafting regulations and issues official position statements.

Networking Opportunities

Direct access to niche networks (e.g., RuVASA for livestock, SAEVA for equine, Wildlife Group) and regional branch events for local networking.

Wellness Support

Access to dedicated, confidential peer support and mental health consultation resources for practitioners facing burnout, compassion fatigue, or personal crises.

More benefits

Visit our benefits page to learn more on all the benefits our members receive. 

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Be part of a community that cares

Join us in shaping the future of veterinary excellence in South Africa. Whether you are a seasoned specialist, a newly qualified vet, or a student, SAVA is your professional home.

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our purpose

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is an association for registered members of the veterinary profession and represents the interests of its members, and in so doing, the interests of animals and the public.

MAIN OBJECTives

  • To promote and protect the collective interests of its membership in good standing
  • To promote veterinary science and the veterinary profession in all its aspects
  • To serve our country, South Africa

What our members say

Dr. K. Naidoo, BVScSAVA Member since 2018
"SAVA is the true backbone of the South African veterinary community. The member benefits—from accessible CPD points and legal advocacy to peer support and industry insights—deliver massive value every single day. Being part of SAVA makes you feel supported, protected, and connected to something bigger."
Dr. J. van der Merwe, BVScMixed Practice & RuVASA Member
"Running a practice presents unique challenges, but SAVA makes sure you never have to navigate them alone. Whether it’s their quick clarification on medicine regulations, their work protecting veterinary interests at a statutory level, or the exceptional networking through their Special Interest Groups, SAVA is an essential partner for any practicing vet in SA."
Dr. S. Sithole, BVScSAVA Young Members Group
"Transitioning from university into practice can feel overwhelming, but SAVA bridged that gap completely. The mentorship network, practical resources, and stress hotline provided a vital safety net during my first few years. SAVA isn't just an association—it's a lifelong professional family."

Affiliates & Subsidiaries

SAVA-CVC

SAVA-CVC supports veterinarians who provide education and primary veterinary care for animals in very low-income communities.

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SAVF

Helping vets help animals through veterinary science research and education.

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SAVETCON

Organising and delivering excellent professional event management services for the veterinary profession.

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