American College of Veterinary Surgeons - ACVS

Founded in 1965, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) is the American Veterinary Medical Association specialty board which sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary surgery. Following the 2024 certification examination, ACVS includes more than 2,500 Diplomates. Approximately 70 veterinarians earn their Diplomate credentials every year. More than 65 percent of ACVS Diplomates operate in private and specialty practices that accept cases on a referral basis from primary care practitioners. The remainder are primarily employed by academic institutions and industry where they teach, conduct research, practice in teaching hospitals, and participate in the development of new products and treatments which improve the quality of veterinary and human health care. For more information about ACVS, including its mission, history, and commitment to diversity, visit the ACVS website.