A Milestone for Veterinary Pharmacy!
This is a historic moment for our profession. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) has officially opened the public comment period for recognizing Veterinary Pharmacy Specialty as a board-certified specialty.
For years, the ACVP has worked tirelessly to advance the health and well-being of animals through specialized pharmaceutical care. Now, alongside our colleagues at the ICVP and SVHP, we are one step closer to seeing that expertise formally recognized at the highest level of pharmacy practice.
First, a huge thank you to everyone who responded to our survey last fall! Your input provided the essential data and “boots-on-the-ground” perspective we needed to build this case and show that our specialty deserves its own seat at the table.
How You Can Help: Take Action Now
The BPS Board of Directors will render a decision within six months, but first, they need to hear from you. Whether you practice in a community setting, a veterinary teaching hospital, or a regulatory agency, your perspective is invaluable.
CRITICAL: Read Before You Comment
To make your voice count, you must follow a specific process. BPS requires that every comment be tied to a specific part of the petition (such as Need, Demand, or Specialized Knowledge). It is essential that you read the petition before you start your submission to ensure your feedback is impactful and properly filed.
- Read the Petition Here: http://books.bpsweb.org/books/xbxc/#p=1
- It may be helpful to read the Executive Summary and Criteria A through G before commenting.
- Submit Your Comment: https://www.research.net/r/ZVCDSDQ
- Deadline: April 1, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
Why This Matters
As many of you know, treating “non-human patients” isn’t just about scaling down a human dose. It requires a deep understanding of comparative pharmacology, toxicology, and the “One Health” connection between animal health and public safety.
Formal BPS recognition will:
- Validate the specialized knowledge required to treat diverse species safely.
- Enhance patient outcomes by ensuring pharmacists are integral members of veterinary healthcare teams.
- Strengthen public health by focusing on zoonotic disease prevention and food chain safety.
Our Mission in Action
The ACVP mission is rooted in education, clinical excellence, and the promotion of the pharmacist’s role in veterinary medicine. This petition—crafted by a dedicated team of experts including many of our own Fellows—addresses the critical need and demand for this specialty.
Let’s ensure the future of veterinary pharmacy is recognized, standardized, and celebrated. Together, we can secure the gold standard of care for all patients—no matter the species.
💡 Pro-Tips for an Impactful Comment
- Be Specific: Instead of saying “I support this,” say “As a pharmacist in a veterinary teaching hospital, I support the Specialized Functions section because…”
- Reference the Page: If you find a specific paragraph in the petition that resonates with your practice, mention it!
- Keep it Professional: Focus on how this certification protects patient safety and public health, which are drivers for BPS recognition.
🚀 Final Checklist Before You Submit:
- Read the petition first (it’s the only way to ensure your comment is tied to the correct section).
- State your credentials (PharmD, RPh, FACVP, DICVP, etc.) to show your professional standing.
- Link your comment to a specific part of the petition.
- Submit before the deadline: April 1, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
