Introduction, Definitions and Recognized Veterinary Specialties

Collaboration between primary care teams and specialty care teams requires detailed and timely communication and medical records sharing. Veterinary clients also need content-rich and supportive conversations as they navigate often stressful clinical situations with their pets, including the realities of referral care costs, prognoses, and possible ongoing treatments and/or management of chronic conditions. These guidelines establish the concepts, roles, client communication strategies, and timelines that will promote successful referral relationships. Later sections offer detailed insights into the key responsibilities for the primary and specialty care team, from the initial contact before referral, through the referral itself, and then back to primary care team oversight. The final sections consider strategies to increase access to care using team optimization and telehealth, as well as possible obstacles in the referral process and how to address or avoid them. (J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2025; 61:


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. DOI 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7489)

Introduction to the 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines

With the growing availability and complexity of veterinary specialization, referral to and/or consultation with veterinary specialists is a key aspect of small animal primary care practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association currently recognizes 22 specialty organizations and 46 types of board-certified veterinary specialists.¹ The Committee of Veterinary Technician Specialties through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recognizes 16 specialties within the field of veterinary technology.² Across the many types of specialty practitioners and hospitals, the requirements for veterinary patient referrals vary from one-time consultations to long-term case oversight and management.

A well-ordered and smooth referral process can increase client satisfaction, improve patient outcomes, and maintain mutually beneficial professional relationships. Although there are many excellent referral relationships already, as with most relationships, interactions between primary care teams (PCTs) and specialty care teams (SCTs) can be improved by enhanced communication, open, honest discussions, and efficient referral systems. Given the often overwhelmingly busy and fast-paced environment of today’s veterinary profession, it is understandable that communication breakdowns may occur. Streamlining referral processes to make them as easy as possible for both PCTs and SCTs, while centering the patient’s and client’s experience, can improve overall satisfaction for all parties involved.

While acknowledging that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution among today’s diverse veterinary practices, the AAHA Referral Guidelines establish the concepts, roles, client communication strategies, and timelines that will promote successful referral relationships. Later sections offer detailed insights into the key responsibilities for the PCT and SCT, from the initial contact before referral, through the referral itself, and then back to PCT oversight. The final sections consider strategies to increase access to care using team optimization and telehealth, as well as possible obstacles in the referral process and how to address or avoid them.

Definitions

Primary Care Team (PCT)—The group of professionals within a primary care veterinary practice responsible for establishing and maintaining the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) with pet caregivers and their animals for ongoing care. This team typically includes veterinarians, credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT, LVT, RVT, LVMT), veterinary assistants, client service representatives, and support staff who work together to provide primary services that help maintain the health and well-being of companion animals.

Specialty Care Team (SCT)—The professionals who provide specialized veterinary care to patients with complex medical conditions or who require advanced diagnostics and treatments. This team typically includes board-certified veterinary specialists in various disciplines, credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists (VTS), and other support staff.

Directing veterinarian (DV)—The practitioner with a current or new VCPR responsible for direct management of a patient’s health concerns. During an active referral to a veterinary specialist, the specialist takes over the role of directing veterinarian for the referred health condition, and in some cases, the whole health of the pet. The primary care veterinarian resumes the role of directing veterinarian for the specific medical care for which the patient was referred once it is agreed the referral is complete.

In cases where the specialist is unavailable, the primary care veterinarian may need to temporarily manage the specific medical condition for which the patient was referred until the specialist can take over the case.

Referral coordinator—Veterinary professionals who provide case-specific communication with clients and between the veterinary teams for a smoother process. The SCT and the PCT may have someone designated  as a referral coordinator for the practice.

Credentialed veterinary technician (CrVT)—The general term for those who hold a degree or diploma from an accredited veterinary technology or veterinary nursing program after completing formal education and training in veterinary technology/nursing, have passed a national or state exam, and obtained certification or licensure from a recognized veterinary regulatory body. The veterinary technician credentials may include the following:

• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
• Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT)

For more information, see the AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines at aaha.org.

Veterinary technician specialist (VTS)—These specialists undergo additional training, education, testing, and experience beyond the requirements for veterinary technician certification. To earn the VTS credential, CrVTs demonstrate proficiency in their specialized field through examinations, case logs, and other criteria established and recognized by accrediting bodies.

AVMA-Recognized Veterinary Specialties & Specialty Organizations

The AVMA recognizes 22 veterinary specialty organizations, with a total of 46 veterinary specialties. More than 16,500 veterinarians currently hold diplomate status in one or more of these specialty organizations following postgraduate training, education, and examination requirements.

NAVTA-Recognized Veterinary Technician Specialties

The Committee of Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recognizes these areas of specialty within veterinary technology:

The 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines are generously supported by CareCredit.