Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the certification requirements of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care are ACVECC Diplomates and have earned "board certification" or the right to be called specialists in emergency and critical care.

Candidates seeking Diplomate status in the ACVECC must have received a degree in veterinary medicine from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, served a one-year rotating internship, and completed a three-year emergency and critical care residency program. The residency program consists of closely supervised training during which the resident works with recognized specialists to acquire additional knowledge and skill in the field.

Qualified applicants must submit extensive credentials to the ACVECC documenting their training, clinical competency, and scientific contributions to veterinary emergency and critical care. Finally, they must pass comprehensive oral, written and practical examinations to earn Diplomate status.

All critical and emergency care provided by Animal Medical Center of Seattle is supervised by an ACVECC Diplomate.