What is the AVA PetPEP program?

AVA PetPEP (Pets and People Education Program) is an initiative of the Australian Veterinary Association Ltd (AVA).

It is an education program that teaches primary school students, along with community groups, about the responsibilities associated with owning pets and safe behaviour around animals.

AVA PetPEP began in Western Australia in 1991 in response to growing concern about the interaction between people and animals. With dramatic increases in urbanisation, veterinarians were seeing increased incidents of animal mistreatment, dog attacks and irresponsible pet ownership.

The Australian Veterinary Association is committed to community education, and in response to these issues worked with teachers to develop the Pets and People Education Program.

The program helps primary school teachers integrate responsible pet care messages into their classroom teaching, to teach our next generation about the responsibilities associated with owning animals and how to behave safely around them.

These events allow speakers from the animal care community to visit schools to deliver interactive and informative learning experiences about pets and our responsibilities as pet owners.

In Queensland, AVA PetPEP actively coordinates school visits across the state, brings veterinarians and other animal industry professionals together to help deliver the program in their local area.

For all other states, AVA PetPEP is an online resource for vets, teachers, parents and the community.