Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos (AVEE): History, Mission & Congress

The Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos (AVEE) is Spain’s leading professional organisation for veterinarians dedicated to equine medicine. Established in 2014, following the merger of two earlier equine associations, AVEE now unites equine practitioners across Spain with a mission to advance veterinary science, protect the profession, and improve horse health and welfare.

With an active membership base and growing recognition, AVEE has become the central hub for equine veterinary knowledge, training, and collaboration in Spain.

A Brief History of AVEE

2011: Initial talks between equine vet groups in Segovia.
2014: Official founding in Antequera, Andalusia, uniting Spanish equine veterinary associations into one national body.

From its inception, AVEE’s goal has been clear: to bring together veterinarians working in equine practice, strengthen professional standards, and represent Spanish equine vets at both national and international levels.

Mission & Objectives

AVEE’s mission combines professional development with advocacy for equine welfare and veterinary integrity. Its main objectives are:

Professional training: Delivering continuous education through courses, webinars, workshops, and its annual congress.
Scientific advancement: Supporting research, disease prevention, and the clinical treatment of horses.
Defending the profession: Combating “intrusismo” (non-veterinarians performing veterinary tasks) and promoting fair, science-based legislation.
Specialist recognition: Promoting accreditation routes and certification programs for equine vets in Spain.
Welfare leadership: Guiding debates on equine welfare, reproduction, dentistry, podiatry, and physiotherapy through working groups.

Education & Member Benefits

AVEE offers equine veterinarians a wide range of resources and services:

Annual Congress – the flagship event, attracting equine vets from across Spain and abroad.
Specialised training courses – such as Diagnóstico por Imagen in Gran Canaria, covering advanced diagnostic imaging.
Webinars & e-learning – recorded and live sessions available through AVEE’s digital platform.
Veterinary directory – an official listing of equine veterinarians in Spain, searchable by province and speciality.
Discounted CPD – members receive reduced fees for training and congress registration.
Membership cost: Currently €120 per year.

AVEE Congress

Each year, AVEE hosts its Congreso Internacional AVEE, bringing together equine practitioners, researchers, and industry partners. The event includes:

Lectures by national and international experts.
Hands-on practical workshops.
Networking with equine veterinary colleagues from across Spain.
Updates on research, welfare, and clinical standards.

(The next AVEE Congress dates and theme are to be confirmed – this section can be updated as soon as official details are released.)

International Collaboration

AVEE is part of the global equine veterinary community through its membership in the Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Veterinarios de Équidos (FIAVE) and World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA).

Connection to BEVA: AVEE also links indirectly through FEEVA (Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations), where BEVA (UK) collaborates with national associations on welfare, policy, and clinical standards. If you’re already a member of AVEE, you may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, which provides discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and BEVA Congress rates.

Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

Why AVEE Matters to Equine Vets

For equine practitioners in Spain, AVEE provides:

A professional identity as part of a national equine vet community.
Access to world-class CPD and congresses.
Representation in policy and welfare debates.
Support through specialist accreditation and certification.
International collaboration with BEVA, WEVA, and FIAVE.

Join Our Community

We already have a strong community of Spanish equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from Italy, Austria, Portugal and beyond such as Turkey. If you would like to join this network, meet like-minded professionals, and connect with the wider equine veterinary community, now is the perfect time to get involved. Together with AVEE, you’ll gain access to education, advocacy, and a global platform committed to advancing equine medicine.

FAQ’S

What is AVEE?
AVEE (Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos) is Spain’s national equine veterinary association.

When was AVEE founded?
AVEE was officially established in 2014 in Antequera, Andalusia.

What does AVEE do?
AVEE provides CPD, accreditation, advocacy, and organises Spain’s annual equine veterinary congress.

How much does AVEE membership cost?
Membership currently costs €120 per year.

Does AVEE collaborate internationally?
Yes, AVEE is part of FIAVE, WEVA, and connected through FEEVA with BEVA and other European associations.