Animal Welfare Recognized As Veterinary Specialty In The US

American College of Animal Welfare readies for first exam The recent AVMA Executive Board vote granting the American College of Animal Welfare provisional recognition clears the way for prospective members to become diplomates of the nation’s newest veterinary specialty organization. The Aug. 1 vote was the culmination of an approximately seven-year journey that in recent months saw the AVMA Board of Governors overturn an AVMA Council on Education decision opposing recognition of the American College of Animal Welfare. For Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, a member of ACAW’s organizing committee, the AVMA action was a long time coming. “As with all other disciplines within the veterinary profession, there are multiple levels of expertise, and it’s important for the profession to have individuals who are highly trained in the broad aspects of animal welfare and who understand the related science,” said Dr. Beaver, a professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and former AVMA president. ACAW is only the fourth organization in the world that certifies animal welfare specialists. The other entities are in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia-New Zealand. Read further...

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