The Complementary Veterinary Medicine Group (CVMG) was officially inaugurated in July 2000 under the auspices of the South African Veterinary Association. The objective of the group is to act as as a forum for discussion and exchange of information with regards to complementary therapies for animals, for both the general public and the veterinary profession.

In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the interest and demand for complementary therapies, especially for companion animals. The world wide web provides an enormous amount of information but it is essential that the concerned owner should be directed to an appropriately trained and knowledgeable vet. The welfare of the animal is paramount. It is therefore important that we encourage a high standard of training and competency in the integrative treatment of animals in our care.

To this end, we aim to ensure that we can offer professional training and education of those vets who are interested. We have already held a three year course in veterinary homeopathy, and more recently, a course in veterinary acupuncture.