In 1989, 26 veterinarians gathered at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Congress in Harrogate, UK. They aimed to discuss and propose developing a framework for European veterinary specialization.
The following year, the European Association of Veterinary Specialisation (EAVS) was established as part of an initiative for creating university-enterprise training partnerships. EAVS differs from the European School of Advanced Veterinary Studies (ESAVS), which primarily provides continuing education for veterinarians rather than offering specialist training.
From February 1990 to March 1991, a draft document titled "Veterinary Specialisation in Europe" was discussed extensively. This document, proposing the structure and formal recognition of veterinary specialist training in Europe, was deliberated upon by the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe (FVE) and the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (ACVT).
Concurrently, a liaison committee was formed comprising representatives from five European veterinary organizations: the European Societies of Veterinary Dermatology (ESVD), Veterinary Internal Medicine (ESVIM) and Veterinary Ophthalmology (ESVO), European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (EAVDI) and the European College of Veterinary Surgery (ECVS). The committee aimed to develop a harmonized approach to veterinary specialization across national European boundaries. In cooperation with the ACVT, this committee also distinguished between a veterinary specialist qualification and mere interest or expertise in a subject, asserting that the former requires substantial additional education and training.
In February 1992, the liaison committee's comprehensive "Report and Recommendations for the Transnational Organisation of Veterinary Specialisation" was unanimously adopted by the ACVT. Following this, in May 1993, a symposium on Veterinary Specialisation in Europe was held in Luxembourg with assistance from the EAVS. During this meeting, the liaison committee transitioned into the interim Board of Veterinary Specialisation (BVS), tasked with coordinating veterinary specialization efforts in Europe and promoting the establishment of new specialist Colleges.