Welcome To Southeastern Veterinary Specialty Center
Southeastern Veterinary Specialty Center is a small, privately owned, referral only surgical specialty center conveniently located in Columbus, Georgia. No hassle of a large corporate practice or university setting. 
Southeastern Veterinary Specialty Center is the only practice in Columbus & the immediate surrounding area with a board-certified (DACVS) veterinary surgeon on staff.
The mission of ACVS is to advance the art and science of surgery and promote excellence in animal health care through research, education, and service to the public. Read more here!
What Are Veterinary Specialties?
Veterinary medicine, like human medicine, has a variety of specialties that focus on specific animal types or areas of care. At our facility, we offer two board-certified specialties:
- Surgery
- Canine & Feline Practice
Each specialty allows our veterinarians to provide advanced, highly focused care for pets with complex medical needs.
How Does a Veterinarian Become a Board-Certified Specialist?
Veterinary Surgeons
- Becoming a veterinary surgeon requires four additional years of surgical training at a university hospital after veterinary school. Surgeons then pass a comprehensive examination to become board-certified Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).
Canine & Feline Practitioners
- To become a board-certified Canine & Feline Practitioner, a veterinarian must work in general practice for 10+ years, demonstrate expertise in internal medicine and other areas through case reports and case summaries, and pass a rigorous exam administered by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP).
Specialist vs. Board-Certified Veterinarian
- Not all specialists are board-certified, but all board-certified veterinarians are specialists. Seeking a board-certified veterinarian ensures your pet receives care from a clinician with verified, credentialed expertise.
How to Find a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist
You can locate board-certified specialists through reputable online directories:
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
- American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)
The Role of a Specialist in Your Pet’s Care
Specialists provide advanced diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures for complex conditions, chronic illnesses, and injuries. They work in collaboration with your primary care veterinarian, supplementing general care with focused expertise to ensure your pet receives the best possible outcomes.
Do Specialists Replace Your Primary Care Veterinarian?
No. We provide specialized care alongside your primary veterinarian, supporting your pet only as long as the specialized care is needed.
Common Surgeries Available
Please note: We are a referral-only facility and require a referral from your primary veterinarian for specialized care.