The World Small Animal
Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is an ‘association of associations’. Its
membership is made up of veterinary organisations from all over the world which
are concerned with small companion animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea
pigs, etc.
WSAVA’s primary purpose is to advance the quality and availability of small
animal medicine and surgery. This broad aim is achieved in a number of
different ways.
WSAVA fosters the exchange of scientific information, both between individual
veterinarians and between their veterinary organisations.
Each year, an Annual WSAVA World Congress is held in a different part of the
world, hosted by a member association under the auspices of WSAVA. The Congress
attracts large numbers of vets and veterinary nurses/technicians from many
countries. Participants learn from top international speakers on all aspects of
small animal practice. Proceedings from the Congress are available to veterinary
schools, libraries and individuals, and provide a valuable source of the most up
to date knowledge.
WSAVA is now in the 11th year of running an imaginative series of continuing
education courses using world-renowned speakers for veterinarians in areas where
companion animal practice is relatively less developed. After starting the
programme in the ‘emerging countries’ of Eastern Europe, WSAVA’s targets have
now expanded to include other areas including the Balkan States, Russia, South
East Asia, China, India and South America.
WSAVA is working in close co-operation with veterinary specialty groups in
Europe and the USA towards the production of an Asian Board of Registered
Specialists.
Through a number of its committees, WSAVA collaborates with veterinary
scientists in academia to enhance understanding and knowledge of specific topics
such as hereditary disease, nomenclature of pathological processes, etc.
WSAVA furthers international relationships between all veterinarians dealing
with small animal health and welfare.
The WSAVA Convention for the Protection of Companion Animals contains a set
of legislative proposals which have been endorsed by the Assembly. Many of the
member associations have become signatories, which mean that they have agreed to
the basic common standard of attitude and practice. Also, they will use their
influence and knowledge to educate the community about animals and to increase
community awareness of all issues affecting animal welfare. A WSAVA Animal
Welfare Symposium is included in the programme of the Annual WSAVA World
Congress.
WSAVA is working to facilitate the introduction of effective, reliable and
standard microchip identification of pet animals throughout the world.
The Annual Congress provides the forum for these and other matters to be
discussed, as well as encouraging friendship and co-operation between
veterinarians from all over the world. News for members is published widely in
many languages on the website, in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, and in a
variety of other journals. In addition, a hard copy News Bulletin is printed and
distributed to all 65,000 individual members at regular intervals.
WSAVA promotes the standing of small animal practice.
In association with prestigious sponsoring companies, WSAVA encourages
excellence in small animal practice. Each year a number of Awards are presented
to veterinarians chosen by an international panel of experts.
By publicizing the activities of the WSAVA, its committees, and its members,
the association can help make the wider community aware of the benefits of pet
ownership and the valuable work done by veterinarians who care for small
animals.
Visit the WSAVA
website
