About

A Team Approach to Veterinary Surgical Care

ANIMALS DESERVE THE BEST

There may be a time when a thoughtful, compassionate decision about surgical care needs to be made between an animal owner and primary care veterinarian. Animal owners who are informed about veterinary care alternatives are in a better position to make decisions they believe are right for themselves and for their animals. 

WHY GO IT ALONE? 

When surgical expertise is needed, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) is there to help. Primary care veterinarians know that when an animal needs “extra-special) surgical attention, an ACVS board certified surgeon is part of the team approach to patient care. 

Working side-by-side throughout the surgical process forms an independent partnership with the primary care veterinarian and animal owner. Following surgery, the primary care veterinarian resumes ongoing care with the animal owner and veterinary patient. 

ACVS VETERINARY SURGEONS RECEIVE EXPERT TRAINING

Upon completion of veterinary school, veterinarians wishing to become ACVS board-certified surgeons must complete an internship (sometimes a specialty internship) and research before being accepted to a 3–4-year surgery residency, meet specific training and caseload requirements, and perform and publish an investigational study. This process is supervised by current ACVS veterinary surgeons, ensuring consistency and adherence to high standards throughout the training. Once the residency has been completed, the resident must pass a rigorous examination. 
 

ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeons are credentialed as “ACVS Diplomates”. Simply put, “ACVS Diplomate” refers to a veterinarian who has been board certified in veterinary surgery. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the certification requirements of the ACVS are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and have earned the right to be called specialists in veterinary surgery.  ACVS Diplomates may have a designation for Small Animals, which is referring to dogs and cats. 

Each year, ACVS certifies approximately between 60-80 new specialist surgeons in large and small animal surgery. Presently, there are more than 2,000 ACVS Veterinary Surgeons in the world

Whether you are a veterinarian seeking a reliable referral partner or a pet owner needing a surgical solution, you don’t have to do it alone. ACVS board certified veterinary surgeons represent the highest standards and excellence in veterinary surgery and animal healthcare

To Locate an ACVS Diplomate, click here. This online directory includes each surgical specialist’s practice setting, special focus, and surgical interest.
 

Trained in state-of-the-art surgical techniques, Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons are dedicated to improving the way veterinary care is provided to animal owners and the animals they love.