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About ACVS

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary surgery. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties recognizes ACVS as the veterinary specialty organization for veterinary surgery.

ACVS currently includes 2,667 Diplomates. Approximately 70 veterinarians earn their Diplomate credentials every year.

ACVS Mission, History,
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Updating ACVS Governance

Frequently Asked Questions | Information Sessions |  Related Certification Materials |
Related Governance and Membership Materials | Governance Update Communications | Governance News Items

ACVS is pursuing a governance structure that separates ACVS credentialing functions from membership activities to ensure autonomy in certification-related decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

ACVS has developed frequently asked questions to help Diplomates, residents, and other stakeholders understand the full scope and process of this endeavor. The College understands additional questions will arise and will routinely update these FAQs as more information becomes available.

Information Sessions

February 3, 2026: Governance Information Session: Bylaws revision

Join ACVS for the third governance information session for Diplomates that will focus on the College’s proposed bylaws update. During this session, ACVS will present the proposed bylaws in full, highlight key areas that have changed, and explain the rationale behind the proposed updates.

October 7, 2025: Certification Council Information Session

ACVS hosted this  information session to discuss the proposed Certification Council. The ACVS Board of Regents has approved the new structure, effective January 2027, pending approval of the revised Bylaws in 2026. Access to the recording and related documents are available here.

February 27, 2025: Governance Change Information Session

ACVS hosted this information session to inform Diplomates about the proposed governance change.

Governance Update Communications

  • January 28, 2026: Message shares the proposed bylaws and supporting materials for Diplomate review.
  • January 21, 2026: Message provides recommended updates to the membership section of the bylaws.
  • December 27, 2025: Message provides recommended changes to the Board of Regents and Officers sections of the bylaws.
  • November 29, 2025: Message provides detail and clarity on key questions raised during the town hall session for Diplomates at the 2025 Surgery Summit.
  • September 16, 2025: Message encourages Diplomates to attend the October 2025 virtual information session. The session will focus on the plans to establish an independent Certification Council as part of the proposed governance change.
  • August 30, 2025: Message introduces the concept of the College transitioning from both a constitution and bylaws to a single set of bylaws as part of the proposed governance change.
  • July 31, 2025: Message continues to outline amendments that support the proposed governance change that would separate certification functions from membership activities.
  • June 28, 2025: Message highlights several extraneous details and duplicative content in the Constitution and Bylaws (PDF) as well as suggested amendments for greater clarity and efficiency.
  • May 31, 2025: Message shares additional information about how the College can modernize the Constitution and Bylaws (PDF) to meet current best practices, simplify the language, and ensure ACVS can respond effectively to changing business and market conditions.
  • April 26, 2025: Message updates Diplomates on the February 2025 virtual governance information session. The session addressed why ACVS is proposing a new governance structure that will separate certification functions and membership activities. A recording of the session is available to Diplomates.
  • March 14, 2025: Message. explains how the proposed governance change will shift the ACVS Board of Regents’ responsibilities, creating opportunities for Diplomates to bring a wider variety of experiences to the board.
  • January 21, 2025: Message shares with residents and credentialed candidates that the College is proposing a governance change to separate ACVS credentialing functions and membership activities. It addresses why, how, and when the change will occur, emphasizing that the certification process itself will not change based on the governance change. 
  •  January 16, 2025 : Message shares with Diplomates that the College is proposing a governance change to separate ACVS credentialing functions and membership activities. ACVS CEO Ann T. Loew addresses why, how, and when the change will occur.

Governance News Items