Are you a zoo and/or wildlife veterinarian working in Europe?

Being a zoo and wildlife veterinarian is exciting and rewarding but it can also be a difficult and lonely job. How can we be expected to have expertise in all species?? Who is there to ask if we want some advice? How can you make sure that our health management protocols are up to date and ensure that you are making a positive contribution to the health of the European population as well as the individuals in your care?

The European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians is here to support you!

We are the membership organisation representing European veterinarians committed to improving the health, welfare and conservation of wildlife through advancements in zoo and wildlife medicine and promotion of the full and proper use of specialist wildlife veterinary expertise in the management of both captive and free ranging wildlife.

By becoming a member, we can support you in the following ways:

1. Credibility and employment opportunities: EAZWV has a good reputation amongst zoo employers and is an EAZA partner and WAZA member. If you are a member of EAZWV, employers can be assured that you will have access to up to date information, great training opportunities and a network of likeminded vets across Europe that will assist you in achieving the highest standards of veterinary care. Job opportunities are regularly posted to the EAZWV membership.

2. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Improving your Knowledge and Skills: Many countries and indeed all BALAI approved zoos now require you to produce proof of relevant CPD in order to be allowed to practice. EAZWV provides a wide range of educational opportunities from annual scientific conference, practical workshops and summer schools, journal access, fact sheets and e-learning modules to meet your CPD needs.
   If you are still establishing your career as a zoo and wildlife vet EAZWV can help here too. It has a strong student section providing advice on educational opportunities and access to mentoring. EAZWV has also been instrumental in the setup of the internationally (Europe & USA) recognised accreditation scheme provided by the European College of Zoological Medicine.

3. Networking: Zoo work is by nature international. Your employer will expect you to facilitate animals moves whilst also minimising the risk of disease transfer between institutions across Europe. They will also expect that the health care advice you provide is consistent with the species specific protocols and guidelines produced by EAZA managed programme coordinators. Becoming and EAZWV member will give you easy access to vets working in zoos across Europe through both face to face events and our membership directory. EAZWV is also working closely with EAZA to provide access to relevant protocols and contacts for the EAZA managed programmes.

4. Influence and Advocacy: As vets, we are committed to improving the health and welfare of the animals in our care. As a member of EAZWV you can make sure that you are part of improving standards across Europe through active involvement in the association’s regional sections and working groups.
   EAZWV’s working groups focus on issues that impact across the region: educational opportunities, specialist technical advice to government agencies, strategic partnerships, encouraging research etc. Regional sections provide support and lobbying at national level.

5. Saving you money: As a member of EAZWV you will be eligible for free online access to the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine worth 115€ and also access to the >200 online Journals through BioOne (usually $20/ article view). In addition members get discounted rates to relevant conferences and for manuscript submission to JZWV as well as access to EAZWV run workshops and training courses at cost prices. From a financial perspective alone, membership is a very good deal. 

And there is more to come! – Our membership numbers are already over 600 from 55 countries. As we grow further, we will be able to provide more member benefits. Let us know what support you need to do your best work and we will work on providing it! 

EAZWV Member Benefits

1. Professional affiliation with the leading professional organisation in the field of zoo and wildlife medicine

2. Voting rights within EAZWV

3. Opportunity to hold office within EAZWV

4. Opportunity to join EAZWV and joint EAZWV/EAZA working groups and contribute to our profession at regional and government level.

5. Networking and camaraderie within the specialism, including access to a web directory of colleagues.

6. Opportunity to raise issues and participate in committees within the organisation that shape the future of EAZWV and the field of zoo and wildlife medicine.

7. Advocacy on issues pertaining to the profession at EU government level

8. Representation at European Association of Zoos and Aquariums

9. Representation at World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

10. Discount registration fees for EAZWV annual conference

11. Access to last 20yrs of conference proceedings for the International conference on zoo and wild animal diseases (now the Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference).

12. Discounted subscription rates to Journal Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

13. Online access to Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

14. Discounted JZWM manuscript processing fee

15. Access to over over 200 high quality, subscribed and open-access titles focused in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences via BioOne.

16. Support and encouragement to achieve accredited, internationally recognised zoological medicine training via European College of Zoological Medicine

17. Access to E-learning modules

18. Access to EAZWV organised summer schools

19. Access to professional standards and technical resources.

20. Access to TAG/EEP Vet Advisors

21. EAZWV Newsletter

22. EAZWV Website

23. Notification of job opportunities

24. Notification of internship opportunities