The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) promotes and recognizes the highest standards in the art and science of contemporary veterinary clinical practice. The Diplomates of ABVP have a common desire and willingness to deliver superior, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary veterinary service to the public. They are veterinarians who have demonstrated expertise in the broad range of clinical subjects relevant to their practice and display the ability to communicate medical observations and data in an organized and appropriate manner. Unlike other AVMA specialty boards, which are devoted to specific disciplines or organ systems, ABVP awards species-specific certification in these practice categories:

Avian Practice
Beef Cattle Practice
Canine & Feline Practice
Dairy Practice
Equine Practice
Feline Practice
Food Animal Practice
Swine Health Management

To ensure that certification is accessible to active practitioners, the accreditation procedure relies upon high quality, practice-related experience, in lieu of lengthy, institution-based, multi-year training programs. Formal postgraduate education is encouraged but not required. Nevertheless, the credentialing process is rigorous and demanding. Demonstration of a thorough mastery of the field is essential for achieving certification.