New welfare specialty certifies diplomates

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The American College of Animal Welfare certified three diplomates following the college’s first certification examination held this July in Raleigh, N.C.American College of Animal Welfare logo

The new members are Drs. Larry G. Carbone of San Francisco, Lori A. Gaskins of the Cayman Islands, and Stacy L. Pritt of Dallas. 

The mission of the American College of Animal Welfare is to advance animal welfare through education, certification, and scientific investigation. ACAW diplomates are veterinarians with advanced training in all aspects of animal welfare science, including ethics. As animal welfare specialists, diplomates can offer the public, general veterinary practitioners, and other stakeholders accurate information and advice on animal welfare.

The AVMA Executive Board granted the specialty college provisional recognition in August 2012 (see JAVMA, Oct. 1, 2012). ACAW is one of four organizations in the world that certify animal welfare specialists.

With the latest certifications, the number of ACAW diplomates has grown to 30, including 27 charter diplomates. They are involved in a broad range of fields, including consulting practice, not-for-profit organizations, academia, and industry, according to ACAW President Bonnie V. Beaver.

“We are extremely pleased with the breadth of knowledge and expertise within the group. We are very pleased with the interest that’s been expressed by veterinarians wanting to become board-certified as well as organizations that are looking for that expertise,” said Dr. Beaver, a professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

The next certification examination will be in July 2014. The deadline for submitting credentials for the exam is Nov. 1. For more information about the college and its credentialing process, click here.