description and objectives

FECAVA enables companion animal veterinarian practitioners, who are member of a european member association, to get the latest news considering the profession and exchange on an interactive way with colleagues all over Europe.

From its humble beginnings as a body formed to harmonise the activities of its thirteen founding members, initially the production of the European Journal of Companion Animal Practice (EJCAP) was its raison d’être. Today, it does much, much more:

Harmonisation 

FECAVA is the organisation that unifies and represents the national companion animal veterinary associations of Europe and provides a conduit through which the common objectives of its members are pursued. FECAVA works closely with UEVP and FVE in a focussed and co-coordinated manner to ensure strong representation of the issues. 

Voice 

FECAVA provides a voice for companion animal issues and ensures inclusion of the topics on the European political agenda. Policy statements and guidelines help to spread and strengthen the voice.

Focus 

The focus of EU policy had traditionally been on food safety and therefore food animal issues. The importance of food safety within the European community suggests prioritisation of these aspects of veterinary activity, which can work to the detriment of the companion animal arm of the profession. However there is increasing recognition of the importance of companion animals in the physical and mental well being of European societies. This sector also makes a large contribution to the economy of Europe which is often overlooked. FECAVA is active in collating information to support this fact and promoting this to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the public. In addition to zoonotic diseases the sociological and economic importance of companion animals must be promoted. Maintaining availability of medicines for use in companion animal practice in Europe is an other ongoing challenge essential to the practice of high quality veterinary care. 

Education 

FECAVA provides input into the visitation of veterinary schools in conjunction with UEVP through ECCVT. It is well placed to contribute to debate on the future strategies for education of veterinary undergraduates ensuring a reasonable balance of integration that includes appropriate attention to companion animal aspects of undergraduate education. Continuing education is supported by its program for CE in Eastern European regions and of course through the FECAVA Eurocongresses which provide a forum annually for veterinarians across Europe to come together in a pan European congress.