What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Surgeon?

When your pet needs surgery, you want them in the very best hands. A board-certified veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian who has gone through years of extra, specialized training after veterinary school.

To earn this title, post veterinary degree, they complete:

• An internship and a 3–4 year surgical residency

• Thousands of hours working alongside experienced surgeons

• A rigorous certification exam through the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)

Only after this process can they be called a Diplomate of the ACVS—a true specialist in surgery.

How Is That Different From a General Veterinarian?

Many veterinarians perform surgery and do a wonderful job with common procedures like spays, neuters, and mass removals. A board-certified surgeon’s entire career is devoted to surgery—from the simplest procedures to the most advanced and delicate operations. As veterinary clinics modernize, the practice of mentoring veterinarians in surgical techniques is increasingly limited with increasing appointment loads and many pets spayed and neutered by low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

Why This Matters for Your Pet

Choosing a board-certified surgeon at VSx means your pet benefits from:

• Advanced expertise in complex procedures (orthopedic, neurologic, cancer, and more).

• Years of hands-on surgical experience, performing surgery every single day.

• State-of-the-art equipment and techniques for safer, more precise care.

• Expert anesthetic and pain management for comfort and safety.

• Clear communication, with limited patient volume, we can provide the time to answer all your questions.