We were created in 1959
... following a decision by the then International Association of Small Animal Specialists (IASAS) to rename itself as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Today with have 115 veterinary association members globally and represent more than 200,000 companion animal veterinarians.
Initial progress was slow but, with each World Congress, more associations joined, attendance increased, and the committees became more effective. The Journal of Small Animal Practice, which had become the WSAVA's official publication, helped to share information between countries.
60 years of WSAVA
This year, is the WSAVA's 60th birthday. Throughout the year, we will share photos and memories of the past 60 years with you. At the end of the year, all will be compiled in a 60th Anniversary Booklet.
Photo Collection
Do you have any photos or memories you'd like to share?
Send them to admin@wsava.org or post them on Social Media with #WSAVA60years and tag the WSAVA. What kind of photos or memories are we looking for? Any photos of WSAVA events, congresses, activities or our members are welcome, whether they were taken 2 years or 25 years ago.
Key Milestones
- Our first World Congress was held in London in 1961.
- Our first collaboration between the WSAVA and World Health Organization took place in 1980.
- World Congresses have been annual events since 1984, with membership rules being amended to enable specialist associations to become affiliate members.
- The WSAVA Continuing Education Committee was formed in 1992.
- Many of our remaining committees were formed in the early 2000's, along with Hill's Pet Nutrition forming a partnership with the WSAVA.
- Our charitable trust, the WSAVA Foundation was created in 2011.
WSAVA Past Presidents
2020-2022Dr Siraya Chunekamrai
2018-2020Dr Shane Ryan
2016-2018Dr. Walt Ingwersen
2013-2016Prof. Colin Burrows
2012-2013Prof. Jolle Kirpensteijn
2012Prof. Peter Ihrke
2010-2012Prof. Jolle Kirpensteijn
2008-2010Dr. David Wadsworth
2006-2008Dr. Brian Romberg
2004-2006Dr. Larry Dee
2002-2004Dr. Gabriel Varga
2000-2002Dr. Claudio Brovida
1998-2000Dr. Klaus Dreier
1996-1998Dr. W F Jackson
1994-1996Prof. Peter Bedford
1992-1994Prof. Akira Takeuchi
1990-1992Dr. Andrew Edney
1988-1990Dr. Jacques Drape
1986-1988Dr. John Holt
1984-1986Dr H-O Schmidtke
1982-1984Prof. Carl Osborne
1980-1982Dr. Luis Pomar
1979-1980Dr. Jan Gajentaan
1977-1979Dr. Saki Paatsama
1975-1977Dr. W Brian Singleton
1973-1975Dr. Leone Taglia
1971-1973Dr. William G Magrane
1969-1971Dr. M A J Verwer
1967-1969Dr. Jean A Meynard
1965-1967Prof. R Volker
1963-1965Dr. Halfden Moltzen
1959-1963Dr. Wayne Riser
List of Congresses
2022 Lima, Peru
2021 Virtual
2020Virtual
2019Toronto, Canada
2018Singapore
2017Copenhagen, Denmark
2016Cartagena, Colombia
2015Bangkok, Thailand
2014Cape Town, South Africa
2013Auckland, New Zealand
2012Birmingham, UK