About International Veterinary Seminars
For nearly 30 years, IVS has been combining practical veterinary education with destinations worth the journey. Founded by veterinarians who understand the value of your limited time, we create small-group seminars focused on real-world clinical application — so you can learn, connect, and make the most of every trip.
Our Mission
IVS exists to provide veterinarians and vet techs with high-quality continuing education that’s immediately applicable in practice. We believe learning should be engaging, accessible, and set in places that inspire. By combining expert instruction with thoughtfully chosen destinations, we create experiences that go beyond traditional CE, building professional connections and memories that last well beyond the seminar.
Three Decades of Practical CE
Since 1995, IVS has been providing practical veterinary continuing education that respects your time and delivers tangible value. Founded by Dr. Dougald Gilmore, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, IVS was built on the principle that CE should be immediately applicable; the kind of education you can bring back to your practice the very next day.
Over the years, we’ve grown from a handful of seminars to 50+ destinations worldwide while maintaining our commitment to small groups, expert speakers, and high-quality instruction.
Led by Veterinarians, Built for Veterinarians
IVS is led by veterinarians who understand the demands of practice and the importance of quality education. Our team is dedicated to creating seminars that balance expert instruction with memorable travel experiences.
Dougald R. Gilmore, BVSc, Dipl. ACVS
Founder and CEO
IVS has been providing practical CE since 1995.
As a veterinarian, I know how valuable your limited free time is to you and your family. When selecting a CE program you want to make sure that you are not wasting your time. IVS strives to provide you with current practical information that you can take back and immediately utilize in your practice. Also, our 3, 4 & 5 day seminars are held in locations that will provide both you and your family with plenty of other enjoyable activities when the half-day seminars are completed.
IVS is an American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE approved provider of continuing education. Our seminars are accepted in all states-including New York which does not accept the RACE programs. We are an approved NY state provider. Please contact your State Board if you have any questions.
Our business office is able to take your seminar registration, hotel bookings, and also provide you with competitive air travel fares to the destinations. Cruises Etc. is the travel group which will arrange all your travel and our office staff welcome your questions and requests.
Joy Olsen, DVM
VP Event Management
Dr. Joy Olsen joined IVS in 2017. Joy’s past professional experience includes small animal practice in San Francisco and over 20 years working in the animal health industry. Her roles working for animal health companies both in the United States and internationally gave her a broad perspective on the veterinary field and sparked a passion for life-long learning and travel.
She enjoys getting to know attendees and providing the best possible seminar experience in our many different locations.
Postcards from Our Trips
From close to home to destinations abroad, hear what veterinary professionals are saying about their IVS experience.
The speakers were excellent, as were the accommodations. I love coming to IVS Seminars.”
I enjoyed this conference VERY much! The speakers were engaging and superb. I had a surgery day this past Tuesday and have implemented several of their pearls of knowledge!”
The trip was just perfect! My husband and I loved every minute.”
Thank you for a great conference! This was my first IVS experience, and it was great. … I’m hoping to arrange a trip for my vet school friends (11 of us total) in the future.”
I enjoyed the seminar. IVS [is] still the best CE in my opinion. Great venue also.”
Thank you for putting on a fantastic program in Cabo!”
Thank you. I always enjoy the CE experience IVS provides.”
Where will your learning take you?
Discover a different way to earn your veterinary CE. Explore upcoming trips to find an IVS seminar set in a destination you’ll want to stay awhile.