OCQ(V) - CA (Companion Animals)

The OCQ(V) - CA (Companion Animals) course is for vets applying for training as an OV authorised to sign Export Health Certificates and pet passports related to the export of companion animals, including pet birds. It does not include the export of animals from laboratories and zoos, or the export of F1 hybrid dogs and cats, even if they are kept as pets. OVs authorised to undertake this work are required to provide advice to clients in compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and APHA/EU/third country procedures.

Topics covered include:

The work of APHA in this area, including exports/imports, the regulation of notifiable disease and animal welfare.
The legal and professional requirements of all vets to undertake certification in full compliance with the 10 Principles of Certification at all times, avoiding conflicts of interest, including the potential consequences of incorrect certification.
Actions that should be taken by any vet considering or suspecting notifiable disease as a differential diagnosis.
The general principles of international trade, with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination and species.
Legal, professional, APHA and destination country requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification, including detailed coverage of roles and responsibilities, the export process from application to completion of travel, meeting documentary, health and welfare requirements, completion of export certification and the use of the APHA website and OV Instructions for exports as a source of information and guidance.
The scope and rules of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) with detailed consideration of legal, professional and APHA requirements related to PETS preparation procedures and the development of skills required for the resolution of queries/problems.
The legal and professional responsibilities of OVs relating to safeguarding the welfare of companion animals and pet birds presented for export.
Familiarisation with Defra, APHA and other websites providing relevant information to refresh knowledge.

Please note: the OCQ(V) - CA course is a self-contained qualification specifically designed for companion animal vets. You are not required to undertake the OCQ(V) - ES and OCQ(V) - EX qualifications prior to this training since the essential skills and guidance on export certification and procedures elements relevant to companion animal vets are included within it.

You are required to undergo revalidation for OCQ(V) - CA every 4 years.

For Animal Health Paraprofessional training, please visit:

improve-ahp.com >

APHA's OV Instructions have moved and are now hosted by Improve International. They can be accessed using the links below:

Counts of OVs Authorised by APHA in GB

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