About ACVECC
Our Mission
To create and sustain the standards of excellence in veterinary emergency and critical care.
Our Vision
Every patient has access to exceptional care by an inclusive emergency and critical care veterinary team.
Our Philosophy
ACVECC serves as the professional home for veterinary emergency and critical care specialists. While the College safeguards standards and advances the specialty through education and research, it also carries a broader responsibility to cultivate a connected, collaborative, and inclusive community. We believe the long-term vitality of the specialty depends not only on rigor and credentialing, but on shared leadership, meaningful participation, and an environment where diverse voices are welcomed and engaged.
A strong College fosters belonging, accountability, and stewardship among its members, strengthening both individual specialists and the profession as a whole. Through thoughtful governance and disciplined decision-making, we steward the relationships, structures, and values that allow the specialty to grow in influence, relevance, and impact over time.
Core Values
- EXCELLENCE
We uphold the highest standards in clinical care, education, research, and professionalism. Excellence defines our specialty and guides our commitment.
- INCLUSION
We cultivate a welcoming and accountable environment where diverse perspectives are actively invited, respected, and engaged to strengthen our community.
- LEADERSHIP
We lead in clinical practice, within institutions, and across the profession to guide, collaborate, and prepare the next generation.
- SERVICE
We serve our patients, colleagues, and the community with dedication and a shared volunteer spirit to advance the profession beyond ourselves.
Strategic Goals
- Education
Drive the standards for education and certification to ensure optimal care of emergency and critical care patients.
- Research
Expand veterinary emergency and critical care research that is rigorous and impactful.
- Specialty Advancement / Community & Value
Strengthen and elevate the emergency and critical care specialty community to advance its value and leadership within the profession
- Collaborations / Partnerships
Cultivate and strengthen internal and external partnerships in support of ACVECC’s mission.
- Sustainability
Achieve financial strength, governance clarity, and infrastructure capacity that ensure long-term stability and organizational excellence.
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Who are ACVECC Diplomates?
Veterinarians who are board-certified by ACVECC have undergone extensive training beyond their veterinary degree. This training includes several years of specialized residency in emergency and critical care followed by a rigorous examination process.
This certification signifies these veterinarians have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to treat animals in the most urgent and critical conditions. When a veterinarian has achieved board certification in the ACVECC, they are called Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC).
ACVECC Diplomates are equipped to manage a wide range of emergency and critically ill patients, including severe trauma, acute illnesses, respiratory distress, cardiovascular emergencies, and complex surgical cases. They are trained to use advanced diagnostic tools and life-saving techniques, such as mechanical ventilation, blood transfusions, and intensive care monitoring. These specialists often work in animal emergency hospitals or intensive care units where they are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation that threatens an animal's life.
ACVECC is committed to ongoing education and research in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care. This ensures their members and emergency doctors in practice stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices, further enhancing the quality-of-care animals receive. For animal owners, this dedication to continuous improvement translates into better outcomes for animals and greater confidence in the care they receive.
The American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations™ (
RVSO) of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Currently, the AVMA recognizes 22 RVSOs encompassing 48 specialties.