EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY USING AVA PETPEP

Australian Veterinary Association’s Pets and People Education Program

PART 1:

WHAT IS AVA PetPEP?

HISTORY OF AVA PETPEP

First launched in Western Australia in 1990It was developed by AVA veterinarians and teachers due to:× Increased incidence in dog attacks,× More reports of neglected and abandoned pets× Increased urban housing development and

corresponding rise in animal related attacks.Originally = charging vets + BQ annual supportNow = Local Councils + RSPCA + BQ + Donations

WHAT IS AVA PETPEP?

The Australian Veterinary Association’s Pets and People Education Program (AVA PetPEP)

A community education initiative for primary school aged children

Designed to teach primary children about the five (5) key messages…

KEY MESSAGES

Responsible Pet

OwnershipWelfare of Animals

Healthy Living

(Pets & People)

Safety Around Animals

Animals and the

Community

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Enhance children’s understandings of animalsTeach responsible pet ownership to future pet ownersAssist with integration of responsible pet care messages into the classroomEngage AVA members with the community

SCHOOL VISITS

Involves up to 4 speakers20 minute rotationsOperate on a rotation basisHighly regarded by teachers

THE AVA PETPEP TEAM

Education Officer/Program CoordinatorP/T Administration OfficerP/T Administration Assistant

AVA PetPEP QLD3/4202 Logan Rd,Eight Miles Plains QLD 4113

PARTNERSHIPS IN QLD

AVA

VETS & VET NURSES

Local Councils

$

RSPCA$

Greyhound Adoption Program

Biosecurity QLD$

Dog Obedience Clubs

Assistance Dogs

Wildlife groups

Qld PrimarySchools

PARTNERSHIPS IN QLD

Stakeholder ContactsQueensland Primary Students 25,000+ p.a.Queensland Primary Schools 400+AVA member Veterinarians 224Veterinary Nurses 257Veterinary Clinics 152Local Councils 15 (42 representatives)Wildlife Volunteers 27Dog Obedience Volunteers 31

*Other stakeholders include RSPCA volunteers, Biosecurity Qld staff, Assistance Dogs, Bird Rescue groups, other animal interest groups

LOCAL COUNCIL

“Responsible Pet Ownership”

VETS AND VET NURSES

“Animal Health”

RSPCA

“Prevent-a-Bite”

OTHER GROUPS…

PRESENTATION PLANS

FLASHCARDS

EDUCATION CONSULTANCY

Consultancy available for all presentersAVA PetPEP Veterinary Pack will provide a basic presentation outlineAdditional online sources are available with links to educational handouts (e.g. “ticks”)Remember, unlike some of your clients, these ones don’t bite…most of the time