Annual Dues
Annual dues payments are due on January 1 each year. A late fee will be incurred if payment is not received by January 31, with deactivation occurring March 1. Please contact Membership@ACVIM.org to reactivate your certification and membership after this date.
There are two separate fees for renewal:
- A required certification fee, which includes continued use of your DACVIM credential/s and legal protection of those credentials, including safeguarding against misuse by non-Board-certified ACVIM Diplomates)
- An optional membership fee, which covers access to member benefits including the ACVIM360 listserv, the OVID Discovery Platform, the ACVIM Member Assistance Program, continuing education, exclusive discounts, and more.
Why two fees?
It's important to make ACVIM membership voluntary, or not required in order to maintain Diplomate certification. In other words, the fee you pay to keep the benefits of your ACVIM membership should be separate from the fee you pay to retain your DACVIM credential/s in order to align with best practices for member associations and certification bodies.
Annual Dues FAQs
How do I log in to pay my dues?
Sign in to your Diplomate Dashboard and entering your username and password. If this is your first time logging in since the ACVIM switched systems, you will need to reset your password. If you need help, email Membership@ACVIM.org.
Once logged in, you should see a notice alerting you to an outstanding dues invoice.
I am retired/retiring. What should I do?
The ACVIM offers retired status for Diplomates who:
- Are 65 years of age or older.
- Have been an active member of the ACVIM for 25+ years, OR
- Members who have retired from employment where DACVIM credentials are necessary.
We ask that members interested in retired Diplomate status fill out and submit this online form
If approved, you will be exempt from paying dues going forward while still maintaining your DACVIM credential and most of your ACVIM member benefits. You can find more information in the online form.
I am unable to work due to a disability. What should I do?
The ACVIM offers temporary/permanent disability status for members who meet the criteria.
Permanent Disabled Status: defined as someone who certifies that they are permanently disabled and can no longer engage in veterinary activity as a full time occupation. If approved, you would be exempt from paying dues going forward while still maintaining your DACVIM credential and almost all ACVIM member benefits.
Temporary Disabled Status: defined as someone who certifies that due to a temporary medical disability they cannot currently engage in veterinary activity as a full time occupation. A member who is approved for Temporary Disabled Status will need to submit a petition annually to maintain that status. Once the disability no longer applies, the Diplomate may return to active status by paying the current year's dues.
You can find more information in the online application form
I am pursuing a full-time graduate studies program. Do I qualify for a dues reduction?
Yes, the ACVIM offers a 50% reduction of the annual certification fee for active ACVIM Diplomates pursuing a full-time program of graduate study leading to a degree at an accredited college or university. Participation must be verified each year to continue receiving the dues reduction.
Complete and email the application form here to Membership@ACVIM.org
What will happen if I decide not to pay my membership fee?
If you decide not to pay the optional membership fee, you will not have access to ACVIM member benefits including the ACVIM360 listserv, OVID Discovery Platform, Member Assistance Program, ACE courses and other continuing education opportunities, and more. You will continue to retain your DACVIM credential.
Can I pay the membership fee and not the certification fee?
No, you cannot pay the membership fee without also paying the certification fee. Membership benefits are an optional ‘add on’ to your certification and cannot be received without renewing your certification.
What happens if I become lapsed, and what happens if/when I decide to reactivate?
If you allow your certification to lapse by not paying your annual certification fee, you will no longer have legal use of your DACVIM credential. If you are found to be using/advertising your DACVIM credential while lapsed, the ACVIM may take legal action.
If you decide to reactivate after becoming lapsed, the ACVIM's policy is to charge for up to three (3) years of missed dues. This means that even if you missed six years of dues, you would only need to pay for the last three in order to get back in good standing.
Can I pay my dues via check?
The ACVIM prefers all Diplomates pay their annual dues via our secure, online payment system. However, if you must pay via check, please print your invoice and include with your check, mailed to:
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Dept. V1551
P.O. Box 30106
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Note that dues payments may be deductible on federal income tax returns as business expenses, but are not deductible as charitable contributions.
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