When your family veterinarian recommends a specialist, you might wonder: what exactly does “board-certified” mean, and how is it different from any other vet? The short answer is that board certification represents the highest level of credential available in veterinary medicine. But the full answer is worth understanding — especially when your pet’s health is on the line.
All veterinarians earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which requires four years of post-graduate veterinary school following an undergraduate education. A DVM is an exceptional achievement and equips graduates to provide a full range of general veterinary care. But some veterinarians don’t stop there.
A board-certified veterinary specialist is a DVM who has completed an additional four to five years of advanced training beyond their degree. This typically includes:
After completing this training, the veterinarian must pass a rigorous national board examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Medicine in their specialty — whether that’s surgery, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, oncology, or another discipline. Those who pass earn the designation of Diplomate, which is appended to their name and credentials.
Veterinary medicine has over 40 recognized specialties, including:
When you bring your pet to a board-certified specialist at AVS, you’re not seeing a generalist who occasionally handles complex cases — you’re seeing someone who has spent years training for exactly this type of case. That level of focused expertise can make a meaningful difference in diagnosis accuracy, treatment outcomes, and recovery.
It also means you have access to the most current thinking in that specialty. Board-certified veterinarians are required to maintain continuing education to keep their credentials — so your pet’s care is always informed by the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
Yes — and we’re proud of it. AVS is home to a team that includes board-certified veterinary surgeons and specialists, alongside experienced DVMs and licensed veterinary technicians. Our board-certified doctors have completed residency training, passed national board exams, and earned Diplomate status in their fields.
You can learn more about our individual specialists and their credentials on our Our Team page.
A DVM is a great vet. A board-certified specialist is a great vet who spent an extra four to five years becoming an expert in one area — and then proved it by passing a national board exam. When your pet needs that level of expertise, AVS is here.
