Pain in animals was largely ignored in veterinary medicine until about twenty years ago. Pain management was a minor part of formal education. Even today, it is often over simplied to the use of pain pills instead of using the many diffent modalities and methods of controlling pain.

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Mangement (IVAPM) was formed to address many of these issues. The Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) certification is awarded to candidates that have met IVAPM’s standards for education, training, and experience in interdisciplinary pain management. While the requirements are constantly evolving, my certification involved:

  1. Membership in the society of International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
  2. Ninety hours or more of continuing education related to pain management
  3. Demonstration of competency in areas of pain management and skills.
  4. Present two peer-reviewed case reports demonstrating skills and thought process in handling pain.
  5. Complete and pass the written examination.

I completed this training (2012) and am a CVPP.