What this class covers
ANZSIC class 6970 categorises businesses that provide professional veterinary medical and surgical services for animals in Australia. This classification encompasses operations where qualified veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries in both domestic pets and livestock. The class includes establishments that may operate with fixed premises, mobile services, or emergency care facilities.
Typical businesses in this class include suburban veterinary clinics treating household pets, large animal veterinary services visiting farms, specialised animal hospitals providing 24-hour emergency care, and veterinary pathology laboratories conducting diagnostic testing. These operations require professional veterinary qualifications and registration with state or territory veterinary boards.
This classification is used by government agencies, researchers, and statistical organisations to track the veterinary services industry across Australia. Businesses use this code when registering for ABNs, completing tax returns, applying for industry-specific grants, or reporting statistical data to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Primary activities in plain English
- Operating veterinary clinics providing medical care for pets and animals
- Running animal hospitals with inpatient facilities and emergency services
- Providing animal pathology and diagnostic laboratory services
- Operating animal quarantine stations for health screening
- Performing surgical procedures including desexing (spaying and neutering)
- Offering mobile veterinary services for farm animals or home visits
- Providing specialised veterinary treatments and specialist referrals
Exclusions and nearby codes
This class specifically excludes agricultural support services that focus on production enhancement rather than medical care. Activities such as livestock improvement programs, artificial insemination services, and herd testing fall under ANZSIC class 0529: Other Agriculture and Fishing Support Services.
Businesses providing animal grooming, boarding, training, or pet sitting services without veterinary medical care are classified elsewhere in the ANZSIC system, typically under various personal and other services classifications. Pharmaceutical manufacturing or wholesale distribution of veterinary medicines also falls outside this classification.
Practical guidance
When registering your veterinary business with the Australian Business Register, use ANZSIC code 6970 and corresponding BIC code 69700. This ensures correct classification for tax purposes and industry reporting. Veterinary practices typically need to register for GST if annual turnover exceeds $75,000.
For workers' compensation insurance, veterinary services generally fall under professional services classifications, but specific rates may vary by state. Check with your state's WorkCover authority for precise classification. When applying for business loans or industry grants, using the correct ANZSIC code helps lenders and government agencies properly assess your application.
Keep in mind that while ANZSIC provides statistical classification, veterinary practices must also comply with state-based licensing requirements, professional registration of veterinarians, and animal welfare regulations. The classification doesn't replace specific legal obligations under veterinary practice acts or local government regulations.