Objectives of the ACVA:

(1) To establish, evaluate and maintain the highest standards in the practice of veterinary anesthesiology by promoting establishment of educational facilities and clinical and research training in veterinary anesthesiology at the under-graduate and post-doctoral levels

(2) To establish criteria of fitness for the designation of a specialist in the practice of veterinary anesthesiology.

(3) To advise the Council on Education of the AVMA on matters concerning approval of veterinary anesthesiology training programs.

(4) To arrange and conduct examinations to determine the competence of veterinarians who apply and to issue certificates to those who meet the required standards. The major criteria on which judgment of competence shall be based include:

• Technical facility: Facility in providing all technical services likely to be required in practice of the specialty and in training the specialist.
• Medical judgment: Ready availability of mature medical judgment applicable to solution of medical problems associated with a patient's care as they arise in practice of the specialty.
• Scholarship: The talent, training and habits of study necessary for evaluating and applying new knowledge as well as seeking new knowledge.

(5) To serve the public, veterinary profession, hospitals and veterinary schools and colleges by preparing a list for publication of veterinarians certified by the College.