The Veterinary Practice Act 2003 and its 2013 regulations are repealed and replaced by a new framework for veterinary services.

The Veterinary Services Board is established to regulate the industry. Board members must leave their office if they are convicted of an offence that carries a jail term of 12 months or more.

Veterinarians and veterinary nurses must be registered to provide services. People who were registered under the old law are automatically transitioned to the new system, and some veterinary nurses without formal qualifications can apply for registration if they have enough work experience.

Veterinary business owners must hold a licence to operate. Licensed veterinary hospitals must appoint a qualified veterinarian as a superintendent for their premises.

Inspectors appointed by the Veterinary Services Board can enter premises at reasonable times to check for compliance, take samples, and seize records. They can apply for search warrants to enter premises if they suspect the law is being broken. Inspectors can also require people to provide information or records by notice.

People can be fined or jailed for obstructing, threatening, or abusing a veterinary inspector, or for pretending to be one. Failing to comply with an inspector's requirement without a reasonable excuse can lead to a fine of up to 100 penalty units (2026: $11,000) or 6 months jail for individuals, and up to 500 penalty units (2026: $55,000) for others.

People who disclose confidential information obtained through the administration of veterinary services are banned from doing so unless they have consent or a legal requirement.

Company directors or managers can be held personally liable and convicted if they knowingly allow their company to break veterinary service laws.

The Veterinary Services Board can cancel or suspend a person's registration or a business licence if they fail to pay fees or provide required notices.

Board members, staff, and inspectors are protected from personal civil liability if they act in good faith while doing their jobs; any legal claims instead attach to the Crown.

People can make complaints to the Veterinary Services Board about how an inspector has used their powers.

The law updates several other Acts to ensure that terms like 'veterinary practitioner' are replaced with 'veterinarian' or 'veterinary business licensee'. This ensures that exemptions for firearms licences, game hunting, and the transport of livestock remain valid under the new definitions.