Your cat deserves the best care when it comes to their health. A veterinarian certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners provides just that. An ABVP board-certified veterinarian has demonstrated a high level of expertise in their chosen species specialty and is considered among the most qualified practitioners in their field.
What this means to pet parents is that you can expect comprehensive care beyond the standard veterinary practice level. And ABVP requires ongoing recertification, so you know they actively stay current with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Specialties
All veterinarians must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, typically in a science-related field like animal science, followed by another four years of veterinary school to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
Those who choose to can take their education a step further, pursuing advanced training and certification to specialize in a specific area of veterinary medicine.
The American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) currently recognizes 22 veterinary specialties and specialty organizations, promoting advanced levels of competency in well-defined fields of veterinary medicine. There are more than 16,500 veterinarians awarded diplomate status in one or more of these specialty organizations after completing rigorous postgraduate training, education, and examination requirements.
Ohio’s Only Board-Certified Feline Specialist
The founder of the Cat Specialty Center at Faithful Friends, Dr. Ashlie Saffire, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Feline Practice), is the only practicing ABVP-certified feline specialist in Ohio. Dr. Saffire’s passion goes above and beyond providing daily veterinary care and through her continuous education, cutting-edge research, and leadership, she is actively shaping the future of feline health.
In addition to her work at the Cat Specialty Center at Faithful Friends, she participates in clinical trials, serves as President of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, co-tutors the University of Sydney’s Feline Medicine Distance Education Course, and contributes to published research.
Expertise You Can Trust
As a board-certified feline specialist, Dr. Saffire’s expertise covers all aspects of feline medicine, including:
- Complex disease management and disorders
- Minimally invasive diagnostics, such as abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy
- Advanced feline-specific surgical procedures, including (but not limited to!) perineal urethrostomies for urinary obstructions, ventral bulla osteotomies for removal of middle ear polyps, subtotal colectomies for treatment of megacolon, placement of feeding tubes, oncologic surgery, and advanced feline dentistry.
Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Saffire is Fear Free and Cat Friendly certified – two credentials that directly impact your cat’s comfort during a visit, creating a better experience for animals and pet parents alike.
- Fear-Free – Fear-Free veterinarians are experts in reducing feelings of stress in their patients, employing science-based, behavior-led strategies to minimize anxiety and fear throughout visits.
- Cat Friendly – Cat-Friendly veterinarians have a thorough understanding of the unique needs and behavior of cats, utilizing techniques to help cats cope with their emotions, giving them a sense of control and promoting a sense of safety. They also emphasize shared knowledge with pet parents to make cats feel more at ease before, during, and after their visit.
Faithful Friends and the Cat Specialty Center is also a Gold Level Cat Friendly Practice® – the highest certification level achievable. Here, we take additional measures to provide a stress-free environment for cats, utilize appropriate equipment and facilities needed to diagnose and treat feline patients, and meet specific standards for the facility and care of hospitalized cats.
When it comes to your cat, the right veterinarian can make all the difference. By trusting Dr. Ashlie Saffire and the Faithful Friends team with your feline friend, you can rest assured your pet receives exceptional care in a calm, compassionate setting, making vet visits smoother and more positive for both of you.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us, we’re ready to meet you and your furry companion! Book your visit today.
