The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has become an Educational Partner of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), following the two associations’ long-standing collaboration in supporting veterinary continuing education (CE) in Africa. As Educational Partners, the WSAVA and the BSAVA plan to work together on projects to increase the accessibility of digital learning to companion animal veterinarians globally, particularly in regions of the world where companion animal practice is still developing and resources are limited.

The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations, including the BSAVA. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, such as pain management, nutrition and vaccination, and the provision of continuing education.

The BSAVA is a not-for-profit professional body founded in 1957. It promotes excellence in small animal practice through education and science and has more than 10,000 members, with the majority working in practice as veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses. The BSAVA has supported WSAVA CE initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2008. During this time, more than 70 courses have taken place in 14 African countries, led by expert speakers.
More recently the BSAVA has supported a program run by the WSAVA’s charitable Foundation through its African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN) initiative. AFSCAN is working to advance standards of veterinary care across Africa through education and through facilitating the creation of a sustainable network of companion animal veterinarians, associations and specialist groups. It has recently launched an innovative clinic-to-clinic twinning program that connects selected clinics in AFSCAN member countries in Africa with clinics in the US, led by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) members.

The BSAVA also offers free access to educational resources from its online library to vets in countries with limited resources through its ‘Foundation Collection’ in a partnership with the WSAVA, the WSAVA Foundation and the Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA).

Welcoming BSAVA as an Educational Partner, WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “Providing continuing education opportunities for our colleagues in areas where access may be difficult, cost-prohibitive or simply unavailable is fundamental to improving veterinary standards. We thank the BSAVA for its past support, and as we move into a new relationship as Educational Partners, we are eager to continue working together to increase the effectiveness and reach of the CE we provide to veterinarians around the world.”


Dr Krista Arnold, Chair of BSAVA’s International Committee, said: “The BSAVA is proud to join WSAVA as an Educational Partner and to make our learning resources accessible to those who may otherwise have limited access to continued education. We are also exploring other ways of working together to support the health and welfare of companion animals through improved veterinary care.”