Dr Kerry Ridgway demonstrating acupuncture at the horse lab, IVAS World Congress 2010 in Aalborg, Denmark
WHAT IS IVAS
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of veterinary acupuncture as an integral part of the total veterinary health care delivery system. The Society endeavors to establish uniformly high standards of veterinary acupuncture through its educational programs and accreditation examination. IVAS seeks to integrate veterinary acupuncture and the practice of western veterinary science, while also noting that the science of veterinary acupuncture does not overlook allied health systems, such as homeopathy, herbology, nutrition, chiropractic, kinesiology, etc
IVAS was formed and chartered in 1974. It is the only international veterinary acupuncture organization and has members from many countries. Consequently, it serves a networking and communication function. IVAS coordinates veterinary acupuncture activity on this international basis. However, it is expected that each country, state, province or principality eventually will develop local veterinary acupuncture societies to respond to local issues, as has already happened in several countries. IVAS also encourages the formation of student chapters at veterinary colleges.
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society has been incorporated and chartered as a non-profit perpetual educational organization.
