The objectives of the North American Academy of Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery (NAAVOS) are:

1. To advance the study of veterinary orthopedic surgery for clinical application

2. To bring together members of the veterinary profession with a common interest in veterinary orthopedic surgery

3. To provide a means for individuals to advance professionally in the field of veterinary orthopedic surgery with credentialing as a goal.

4. To hold, conduct or arrange and develop examinations of professional proficiency for the purpose of determining qualification for credentialing by Membership and/or Fellowship in the Academy.

The Academy has a definite mission to encourage professional and personal development for veterinarians in practice, or other areas of the profession, and to provide post-graduate credentialing as a goal. The NAAVOS is not an accredited degree granting institution.

The mission of the NAAVOS is to provide a means for veterinarians with an interest in veterinary orthopedic surgery to advance their careers and to improve professionally. The NAAVOS recognizes that not all individuals have the opportunity to advance by residency training but all should have the opportunity to advance themselves and obtain credentialing. In order to accomplish this, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of practice with extensive experience and training in orthopedic surgery. Applicants must also pass a rigorous certifying examination, complete 75 hours of orthopedic related continuing education for membership applicants and 150 hours of orthopedic related continuing education for fellowship applicants. Applicants must also certify competence by submitting proof of performing a minimum number of specified procedures.

There are 2 levels of credentialing by the NAAVOS; Membership and Fellowship. Membership is awarded to veterinarians who pass an examination given in the subject of veterinary orthopedic surgery. In order to qualify to sit for the membership examination candidates must submit an application form, pay the necessary fees and meet the guidelines listed in the previous paragraph. Membership conveys that the member has attained skills and expertise in veterinary orthopedic surgery beyond that of a general practitioner. This level of expertise will also convey competence in veterinary orthopedic surgery but not specialist status.

Membership is awarded to those candidates who sit and pass a membership examination in veterinary orthopedic surgery. In order to sit for the examination candidates must display comprehensive knowledge in canine and feline anatomy, physiology and the etiology and pathophysiology of canine and feline orthopedic diseases. Candidates for Membership must also submit 75 hours of continuing education in veterinary orthopedic surgery. All hours must be RACE approved or equivalent. Membership candidates must also 3 orthopedic case reports written in a format suitable for publication in a peer reviewed refereed journal. Documentation of 100 approved orthopedic surgical cases is also necessary. 

Fellowship is awarded to those veterinarians who sit for and pass a Fellowship examination in veterinary orthopedic surgery. In order to sit for the qualifying examination the candidates must display comprehensive knowledge in canine and feline anatomy, physiology and the etiology and pathophysiology of canine and feline orthopedic diseases above that required for membership. The applicant must also have knowledge and expertise at a level consistent to function as a consultant in veterinary orthopedic surgery. Candidates must have at least 5 years of practice experience in veterinary orthopedic surgery, pass a written and oral comprehensive examination, provide 6 written case reports in a format suitable for publication in a professional journal and provide documentation of 150 cases of selected orthopedic surgical procedures. Candidates must also provide documentation of at least 150 hours of RACE or equivalent continuing education in veterinary orthopedic surgery.

More detailed information is found in the Membership Guide and Fellowship Guide respectively.

Credentialing by the NAAVOS is not the equivalent of Board Certification by a Specialty College.  NAAVOS is not a Recognized Veterinary Specialty Organization.