Frequently Asked Questions

They are two separate bodies created by the same law, the Veterinary and Veterinary Para-Professions Act No. 45 of 2010.

• The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) is the professional association. It represents, develops and speaks for veterinary surgeons and veterinary para-professionals. It is a body corporate run under its own Constitution.
• The Veterinary Council of Zambia (VCZ) is the statutory regulator. It registers professionals, issues practising certificates, licenses animal health facilities and enforces the Code of Ethics.

In short, VAZ is your professional home and VCZ is your licensing authority.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 3, 4, 8 and 10; VAZ Constitution, Art. 7

The Veterinary and Veterinary Para-Professions Act No. 45 of 2010. It received assent on 24 November 2010 and replaced the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1964 (Cap. 243). The Act:

• establishes VAZ
• continues the former Board of Veterinary Surgery as the Veterinary Council of Zambia
• provides for registration, practising certificates, the licensing of animal health facilities, approval of training programmes and professional discipline.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, long title and ss. 1, 8 and 76

Under section 4 of the Act, the Association's functions include:

• developing and promoting internationally comparable practice standards and standards of qualification
• advising Government on matters affecting the profession
• holding scientific meetings and rewarding papers of special merit
• supporting members' learning
• raising public confidence in the profession
• promoting alternative dispute resolution
• representing and assisting members on their conditions of practice and remuneration.

The Constitution adds promoting animal welfare, maintaining the profession's ethics, and good relations between members and the public.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 4; VAZ Constitution, Art. 2

The Council's statutory functions include:

• promoting professional ethics
• setting and maintaining practice standards
• protecting the integrity and status of the profession
• licensing public and private animal health facilities and monitoring their quality
• protecting and assisting the public in all matters relating to veterinary practice
• promoting continuing professional development.

Part IV of the Act makes the Council the body that registers veterinary surgeons and veterinary para-professionals.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 10 and 12-14

The Minister appoints eight categories of part-time members:

• a Chairperson
• a Vice-Chairperson
• the Director responsible for veterinary services
• the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
• a representative of the Attorney-General
• a farmer nominated by the Zambia National Farmers Union
• two veterinary professionals
• one veterinary para-professional.

VAZ members elect the professional members. Members serve three years and may be reappointed once.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 9 and First Schedule, para. 2; VAZ Constitution, Art. 7(2)

The Council appoints the Registrar. The Registrar is the Council's chief executive officer and Secretary to the Council, and runs its day-to-day administration under the Council's supervision. The Registrar keeps the Register and issues practising certificates, duplicates and certificates of status. All complaints about professional conduct are lodged with the Registrar.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 11, 22, 31-33 and 62(3)

The funds of the Association consist of money appropriated by Parliament, fees, levies, grants and donations. Grants from outside Zambia need the Minister's approval. The financial year ends on 31 December.

Accounts are audited every year by practising accountants appointed with the Auditor-General's approval. An annual report and the audited accounts go to the Minister within six months, and the Minister lays them before the National Assembly.

Under the Constitution, any two of the President, Treasurer and Secretary sign on the Association's accounts.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, First Schedule, paras. 9-12; VAZ Constitution, Art. 8

• VAZ Secretariat: Kwacha House, Room 13, Cairo Road, Lusaka; P.O. Box 32117, Lusaka. Email admin@vaz.org.zm, general enquiries info@vaz.org.zm; tel. +260 211 238720.
• VCZ, Office of the Registrar: Kwacha House, 1st Floor, Room 25, Cairo Road, Lusaka. Email registrarvcz@gmail.com; mobile +260 955 554954.

Legal basisOfficial VAZ and VCZ letterheads (2026)

There are five:

• Ordinary: veterinary surgeons.
• Associate: veterinary para-professionals and allied animal science professionals.
• Corporate: licensed veterinary surgeons, animal health facilities, and organisations concerned with animal health, welfare or production.
• Student
• Honorary

See Benefits of VAZ Membership for what each category offers.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Art. 3

Ordinary membership is open to anyone holding a veterinary qualification that the Veterinary Council of Zambia accepts for registration as a veterinary surgeon. Only fully paid-up Ordinary Members may:

• vote on all Association matters
• call a meeting
• nominate candidates for the Executive Committee
• stand for election as an officer.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 3(1) and 12(1)

• Associate membership is open to persons of good professional standing working in any branch of animal science who hold a qualification the Council accepts for registration as a veterinary para-professional.
• Corporate membership is open to licensed veterinary surgeons, animal health facilities, and organisations and companies directly or indirectly concerned with animal welfare, health or production.

Corporate applicants register at Corporate Membership registration.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 3(3) and 3(4)

Yes. Student membership is open to:

• students registered in the clinical years at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
• final-year students at tertiary institutions in Zambia teaching veterinary and animal-health courses.

Student members get mentoring, reduced-cost CPD and scientific meetings, and networking that supports internships and careers.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Art. 3(5)

Any member may propose a candidate to the Executive Committee with a one-page summary of the nominee's contribution.

• An ad hoc subcommittee of the three most recent Past Presidents screens the proposal.
• The Executive Committee elects by a two-thirds majority.
• At most two are selected each year, and there may be no more than ten at any time.
• Veterinary honorary members must be over 65, with 10 or more years of active membership.

Honorary membership is for life and carries no dues. Veterinary honorary members may vote; non-veterinary honorary members may not.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Art. 3(2) (as amended at the AGM of 27 April 2018)

Membership of any category takes effect only once the applicable subscription has been paid. Every fully paid-up member is then issued with a membership card and a membership number. Numbers are issued in order of payment.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 3(6), 3(9) and 3(10)

The preceding AGM sets subscription fees for the following year. Under the Constitution, the VAZ annual subscription falls due on 1 September.

• A member who has not paid by 30 November, after due warning from the Secretary or Treasurer, may be expelled.
• A member who fails to pay is deemed to have withdrawn and loses all membership rights.
• Rejoining requires settling all arrears.

Council registration and practising-certificate fees follow the Council's own annual cycle. See the practising-certificate questions below.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 3(11), 6(xii) and 8(2)-8(4)

Give the Executive Committee one month's written notice. You remain liable for any arrears or other money owed to the Association. A former member cannot rejoin until all arrears owed at the date of leaving have been paid.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Art. 3(11)

Yes, for conduct prejudicial to the Association. The Executive Committee tables a special resolution at a general meeting, and the member has these safeguards:

• the member must receive the complaint at least 21 days before it is inquired into
• the member may appear in person or with a lawyer to show cause
• whoever made the complaint must substantiate it
• expulsion requires approval by at least three-quarters of the Ordinary Members at the AGM.

Reinstatement needs the Executive Committee's written consent.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 3(12), 3(13) and 10(5)

Yes. VAZ keeps a register divided by membership category. At the start of each calendar year it publishes the list of paid-up members in a national daily newspaper and circulates it to members. Keep your contact details current on the Members Portal so your entry is accurate.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 3(7) and 3(8)

The Annual General Meeting is the Association's supreme policy and decision-making body. All paid-up members belong to it. It must be held every year, and no more than 24 months may pass between two AGMs.

• Members receive at least 21 days' written notice of an AGM and 14 days' notice of any other general meeting.
• Each region holds at least one regional general meeting during every three-year Executive Committee tenure.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 5 and 6

Voting is by show of hands unless the President decides on a secret ballot. Executive Committee elections are always by secret ballot. Each full member present in person or by proxy has one vote, and the chair has a casting vote on a tie.

A proxy must be someone entitled to attend and vote. The written proxy instrument, signed by you, must reach the Secretary before the meeting starts.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 5(3)-5(7) and 12(2)

The Executive Committee runs the Association's day-to-day affairs between AGMs. Its members are:

• the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Vice-Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer
• three elected committee members
• the Commonwealth Veterinary Association Councillor, who also edits the Association's publication
• two elected veterinarians' representatives on the Council (one private, one other)
• one elected member from each of the five regions: East, West, Central, North and South
• up to four co-opted members.

Current office-holders are listed on the About Us page.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 7(1) and 7(3)

The Executive Committee is elected every three years, timed to coincide with the tenure of the Veterinary Council. Only Ordinary Members may stand for office.

• Each nomination needs one proposer and two seconders, and the nominee's acceptance.
• Nominations must reach the Secretary one month before the AGM, or by any date the Secretary sets.
• The Executive Committee sets a nomination fee for each position, which the AGM ratifies.
• Voting is by secret ballot, and each election needs a majority vote.

The same elective AGM also elects the Council Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson and the members' representatives on the Council. The Council Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson do not sit on the Executive Committee.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 7(2) and 12; Act No. 45 of 2010, s. 9(2)

Send the Secretary written notice of the proposed amendment, signed by the proposer and two seconders. The Secretary puts it to the members at the next AGM or by postal vote.

The Constitution requires a three-quarters majority of the Ordinary Members present at the AGM, which is stricter than the Act's minimum of two-thirds of members voting. An amendment takes effect immediately on adoption.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Art. 13; Act No. 45 of 2010, s. 5(1)

The Constitution provides for these committees:

• Ethics Committee (seven members): updates the Association's Code of Conduct every year for adoption at the AGM.
• Disciplinary Committee (five members)
• Finance Committee: plans fundraising and includes the Treasurer.

The Executive Committee may form other committees as needed, and may co-opt people for specific tasks.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Arts. 7(7), 8(5), 9, 10 and 11

Yes. No one may practise as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary para-professional unless registered under the Act. The penalties are:

• Practising unregistered: up to 500,000 penalty units (about K200,000), five years' imprisonment, or both.
• Holding yourself out as a veterinary surgeon, or employing unregistered persons: up to 700,000 penalty units (about K280,000) or seven years.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 12 and 36

Apply to the Council in the prescribed form and pay the prescribed fee. Applications are made online through VAZ/VCZ Professional Registration, where you upload your qualification documents.

The Council must grant or reject your application within 30 days of receiving it. If it rejects the application, it must give you its reasons in writing.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 13

• Full registration (s. 14): veterinary surgeons are registered. Diploma-holding para-professionals are enrolled, and certificate holders are enlisted.
• Provisional (s. 15): for holders of recognised qualifications; up to two years.
• Temporary (s. 16): for foreign-trained persons whose qualification is not recognised; up to two years.
• Limited period (s. 17): for foreign veterinary surgeons engaged by a licensed facility; up to six months.
• Specialist (s. 18)
• Non-practising category (s. 29(3))

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 14-18 and 29(3)

Apply for provisional registration. It lets you work as a veterinary surgeon or para-professional in Zambia for up to two years. You may then apply for full registration once you have:

• practised for at least 12 months in an animal health facility approved by the Council
• shown good character and good professional standing
• met any other prescribed requirements.

Reduced fees apply to fresh graduates.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 14(3)-(6) and 15

A registered veterinary surgeon may apply to the Council for specialist registration in the prescribed form and pay the prescribed fee. The Council registers you as a specialist if you hold a postgraduate qualification that it approves.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 18

You must notify the Registrar of any change in your registration particulars within seven days. This includes your name, address, employer and qualifications. Use the Change of Particulars function on the Members Portal so the request is tracked.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 19

• If your certificate is lost or destroyed, apply to the Registrar for a duplicate certificate and pay the prescribed fee.
• Anyone may apply for a certificate of status setting out a professional's registration particulars.
• Certificates or letters of good standing, for example for registration or employment abroad, are issued on application at the scheduled fee.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 31 and 32

The Council must cancel a registration if:

• it was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation
• the holder is found guilty of professional misconduct
• the holder has left the facility for which the registration was granted
• the registration period has lapsed
• the holder is imprisoned for more than six months without the option of a fine
• the holder has become disqualified.

You must be given a hearing first, and the Council may suspend you in the meantime. A name that has been removed can be restored only on the Council's conditions and payment of the fee. Re-registration may be applied for later.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 20, 29 and 30

Yes. Tell the Registrar that you do not intend to practise for a specified period. The Council may keep your name on the Register in a non-practising category for that period. Reduced annual fees apply to retired professionals.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 29(3)

The Council sets the fees, and they differ by category and qualification, and between Zambian and non-Zambian professionals. From 2027:

• Annual fees include each member's contribution to the VAZ House redevelopment approved by the Extraordinary General Meeting of 29 July 2026, spread over 2027-2029.
• Non-Zambian professionals with permanent residence in Zambia pay 50% of the non-Zambian fee.

The current approved fee schedule is on the Resources page, and your exact amount appears on your portal invoice.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 4(2) and 13(2); VCZ Fee Adjustment Notice, 10 August 2026

Yes. Anyone aggrieved by a decision of the Council may appeal to the High Court within 30 days of receiving the decision.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 35

The certificate of registration records that you are on the Register. The practising certificate is the annual licence that allows a veterinary surgeon to actually practise.

• A practising certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous place where you practise.
• It cannot be transferred to anyone else.
• Practising as a veterinary surgeon without one carries a penalty of up to 700,000 penalty units (about K280,000), seven years' imprisonment, or both.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 14, 21-23 and 28

Every year. A practising certificate that is not renewed becomes void. Practising on a void certificate carries a penalty of up to 100,000 penalty units (about K40,000), one year's imprisonment, or both.

Renewal is done online through the Members Portal, which opens each new cycle ahead of the year (the 2027 cycle opened on 1 October 2026).

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 24

The Council must cancel it if the holder:

• is found guilty of professional misconduct
• is declared of unsound mind or is an undischarged bankrupt
• breaches the Act, any other relevant law or the Code of Ethics
• owns or runs an animal health facility that has been closed or whose licence was cancelled
• obtained the certificate by fraud.

The holder must be heard first and may be suspended in the meantime. If the registration itself is cancelled, the practising certificate becomes void and must be surrendered.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 25

It depends on whether the Council recognises your qualification.

• If it is recognised, apply for provisional registration.
• If it is not recognised, apply for temporary registration, valid for up to two years.

For temporary registration you must:

• have the prescribed knowledge and training
• pass the prescribed assessment examination
• provide a certificate of good standing from your current registration body
• show sufficient knowledge of English
• serve at the request of the Government or of a licensed facility to provide specialist services.

After at least 12 months of continuous employment and a satisfactory letter from the supervising veterinary surgeon, you may apply for full registration.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 14(6)(b), 15 and 16

Yes. At the request of a licensed animal health facility, the Council may register a veterinary surgeon qualified in another country for a limited period of up to six months, renewable. The surgeon must hold equivalent registration at home and be in good standing there. The Council may set conditions, such as which procedures may be performed and the level of supervision.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 17

It is the assessment examination required for temporary registration. Under the Council's guidance:

• it is normally held once a year
• it tests general veterinary knowledge and skills, including veterinary public health, medicine, surgery and husbandry across companion animals, livestock, horses and wildlife
• you must pass the written papers before taking the clinical, oral and practical examinations
• the fee is non-refundable.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 16(2)(b); VCZ Guidance on Licensure and Competence Examination

An animal health facility is any site, fixed or mobile, that provides services for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of animal diseases. This includes diagnostic laboratories, clinics, hospitals and mobile clinics.

Every facility needs a Council licence. Operating without one carries a penalty of up to 500,000 penalty units (about K200,000), five years' imprisonment, or both. A further 50,000 penalty units can be charged for each day the offence continues.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 2, 42 and 59

Apply to the Council in the prescribed form and pay the fee. Applications are made online at Animal Health Facility registration. The facility is inspected before a licence is issued. The Council will refuse a licence if:

• the veterinary surgeon in charge is not registered, or has no valid practising certificate
• the veterinary surgeon in charge has held registration for less than three years, unless the Council accepts equivalent foreign experience
• the facility does not meet the physical, staffing, equipment or organisational requirements.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 43-45 and 53(3)

A licence must be renewed every year. Renewal depends on:

• continued full compliance
• any information the Council requires
• payment of the annual fee.

The licence must be displayed prominently at the facility. Facilities are inspected at least every 24 months.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 44, 46, 51 and 53(3)

• Change of terms: you may apply for a variation of the licence at any time.
• New owner: a licence cannot be transferred without the Council's prior approval. The Council may amend the licence to show the successor.
• New name: the Council may amend the licence to show the new name.
• Closure: if you stop operating, you must surrender the licence to the Council.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 47-50

Yes. Before suspending or cancelling a licence, the Council gives written reasons and up to 30 days to show cause or take remedial action. After an inspection finds a violation, the facility has 14 days to submit a written plan of correction.

A facility ordered closed must close within 14 days, and cancellations are published in a daily newspaper. Where animals face imminent danger, the Council may order immediate closure.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 52 and 56

No. A facility may consult, diagnose or treat only by, under the supervision of, or with the authority of a registered veterinary surgeon. The one exception is continuing a treatment already prescribed by a veterinary surgeon, for the prescribed period.

Employing unqualified or unregistered persons at a licensed facility is an offence.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 57 and 59(f)

Inspectors may, with the Registrar's written authority, enter and inspect premises at reasonable times. They may examine practising certificates, records and equipment. Every inspector carries an identity card issued by the Registrar and must show it on request.

Obstructing an inspector, or giving false information, carries a penalty of up to 200,000 penalty units (about K80,000), two years' imprisonment, or both.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 53-55

Yes. No institution may offer training for the veterinary profession unless the Council has approved the programme. The Council reviews approved programmes, including graduates' performance, at least every five years, and may withdraw approval.

Training on an unapproved programme does not count towards registration. Offering unapproved training carries a penalty of up to 500,000 penalty units plus 40,000 penalty units for each day it continues.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 38-40

The Council has a statutory duty to promote CPD, and VAZ holds scientific meetings and CPD events for members. The Act lets the Minister make regulations setting the type and extent of CPD required before a practising certificate is issued.

Your CPD record is kept on the Members Portal, and upcoming activities are listed under CPD Opportunities.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 4(1)(j), 10(1)(i), 26(b) and 41

Trainees working towards a qualification for registration may be employed, or may perform veterinary services, but only under the direct supervision of a registered veterinary surgeon and in line with the Council's training guidelines. Students may also register with the Council at a nominal fee.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 4(1)(b) and 36(5)

Yes. The Council adopts and publishes a Code of Ethics that binds every veterinary professional regulated under the Act. Within the Association, the VAZ Ethics Committee updates the Code of Conduct every year for adoption at the AGM.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 60; VAZ Constitution, Art. 9(4)

A veterinary professional commits professional misconduct by:

• breaching the Act
• unlawfully disclosing, or using for personal advantage, information gained in practice
• dishonest, fraudulent or deceitful conduct
• conduct prejudicial to the profession or likely to bring it into disrepute
• breaching the Code of Ethics, or encouraging another professional to do so.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 61

Anyone may lodge a complaint alleging that a veterinary professional has breached the Code of Ethics or the Act. Lodge it with the Registrar in the prescribed manner. The Disciplinary Committee hears it, and the Council may also start proceedings on its own.

For concerns about VAZ services, such as a delayed membership card or certificate, contact the VAZ Secretariat at admin@vaz.org.zm.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 62 and 64

The Council establishes the Committee. Its members are:

• a Chairperson, who is a veterinary surgeon of high standing and long practice
• a Vice-Chairperson
• the Council Chairperson
• a peer of the professional concerned
• a legal practitioner.

How hearings run:

• hearings are held in camera
• parties may be represented by a lawyer, by another person, or in person
• members must declare any conflicts of interest
• every decision is a reasoned judgment given to each party.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 63-65

After due inquiry the Committee may impose one or more of:

• cancellation of registration or of the practising certificate
• censure or caution
• a fine of up to 300,000 penalty units (about K120,000)
• costs
• restitution for loss caused by negligence
• suspension of up to one year.

You may appeal to the High Court within 30 days. A decision does not take effect until the appeal period has passed or any appeal is disposed of.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 66(5) and 68

Yes, on matters of Association membership. The VAZ Disciplinary Committee has five members drawn from:

• the Executive Committee (two)
• the School of Veterinary Medicine
• the department responsible for veterinary services
• private practitioners.

A member suspended by the Executive Committee may appeal to the AGM, and the AGM may pass its findings to the Veterinary Council. Statutory discipline, such as action on registration or practising certificates, rests with the Council.

Legal basisVAZ Constitution, Art. 10; Act No. 45 of 2010, Part VII

The Act gives VAZ the function of promoting alternative dispute resolution and acting as an arbitral institution for disputes of a veterinary nature. Contact the Secretariat to discuss mediation or arbitration. A complaint of professional misconduct, however, goes to the Council's Registrar.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, s. 4(1)(l)

The secure online platform launched on 27 July 2026. Through it you can:

• apply for and renew registration
• manage your profile and documents
• download certificates and invoices
• pay fees
• submit changes of particulars
• view your CPD record
• register for events.

Register if you are new, or log in with your credentials.

Legal basisVAZ Notice to Members, Ref. VAZ/CIRC/2026/03 (27 July 2026)

You can pay in any of these ways:

• Online on the Members Portal by Visa, Mastercard, Airtel Money or MTN MoMo, through the secure DPO payment gateway.
• By bank transfer or deposit to ZANACO (Manda Hill Branch) or Indo Zambia Bank (Lusaka Main Branch). Upload the deposit slip on the portal so Finance can verify it.
• Through PMEC payroll deduction, for eligible public-service members.

Always use the reference on your portal invoice.

Legal basisVAZ/VCZ Portal Business Requirements, s. 5.4; VAZ notice on DPO payments (September 2026)

Each application moves through recorded stages: Received, Under Review, Pending Payment, Payment Verified, Pending Approval and Approved. You can see the current stage on the portal.

If an application is returned as Changes Requested, correct it and resubmit. On approval, your certificate is generated and you are notified by email. The Act requires the Council to decide within 30 days of receiving a complete application.

Legal basisVAZ/VCZ Portal Business Requirements, s. 3.2; Act No. 45 of 2010, s. 13(3)

Use the Verify Certificate page. Enter the certificate number, or scan the QR code printed on the certificate. The result shows the holder's name, category, status and validity dates.

Legal basisVAZ/VCZ Portal Business Requirements, s. 4.3

VAZ and VCZ process personal data in line with the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021, and use it only for registration, membership and regulatory purposes. The Act also makes it an offence for anyone working for the Council to disclose information obtained in the course of their duties without authority.

Final Council decisions on revocation of registration, practising certificates or licences may be published.

Legal basisData Protection Act No. 3 of 2021; Act No. 45 of 2010, First Schedule, para. 7

Contact the VAZ Secretariat at admin@vaz.org.zm or +260 211 238720. Give your full name, registration or membership number, and a description or screenshot of the problem. Never share your password with anyone, including staff.

Legal basisVAZ Notice to Members, Ref. VAZ/CIRC/2026/03

Ask to see their practising certificate. Every practising veterinary surgeon must display it at their place of practice. You can also confirm their certificate on the Verify Certificate page.

The Register is open for public inspection at the Council's offices during office hours, for a fee, and certified extracts can be issued. If a name is missing from the published Register, that is prima facie evidence the person is not registered.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 23, 33 and 34

Report it to the Registrar of the Veterinary Council. Under the Act it is an offence to:

• use the title of a registered professional while unregistered
• forge a certificate
• obtain registration by fraud
• provide services beyond your permitted scope of practice.

Each offence carries up to 700,000 penalty units (about K280,000), seven years' imprisonment, or both. A veterinary surgeon who lets an unregistered person use their name also commits an offence.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 36 and 37

Yes, within the scope of practice permitted for their registered category. At a licensed facility, consultation, diagnosis and treatment must be carried out by, under the supervision of, or with the authority of a registered veterinary surgeon. Providing services beyond one's permitted scope is an offence.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 2, 37(1)(e) and 57

The Council publishes a list of all licensed animal health facilities and their locations every year in a national daily newspaper. Licensed facilities must display their licence prominently, so ask to see it.

Legal basisAct No. 45 of 2010, ss. 46 and 58