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Becoming a Diplomate

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ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ANIMAL WELFARE

The American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW) is a fully recognized veterinary specialty by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The mission of the American College of Animal Welfare is to ‘advance animal welfare through education, certification, and scientific investigation’.  Diplomates of the American College of Animal Welfare are veterinarians with specialized training and expertise in animal welfare. ACAW Diplomates define the mission criteria of animal welfare science through the application of knowledge / task areas listed in the Joint Task Analysis (JTA).

Ensuring good animal welfare is a critical goal of veterinary medicine.  ACAW was chartered as a specialty of veterinary medicine to provide board certification for veterinarians in animal welfare science.
 

Veterinarians educated in animal welfare science are uniquely positioned to provide the public, veterinary professionals, and other stakeholders with evidence-based information and expertise in animal welfare. ACAW encourages graduate veterinarians to pursue enhancing their knowledge of animal welfare science by seeking board certification.

As a veterinary specialty organization, the ACAW supports the American Veterinary Medical Association’s and American Association of Veterinary Medical College’s (AAVMC) efforts to promote these important values across veterinary medicine.



Registration for 2025 ACAW Short Course here: 2025 ACAW Short Course Registration




Recent ACAW Diplomate Awards


Dr. Andrew Knight
Murdoch University Distinguished Alumnus Award (December 2023)


Dr. Deb Hickman
AVMA Animal Welfare Award (June 2024)