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The Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA) is an industry body that assists veterinary professionals in managing osteoarthritis in dogs from the point of diagnosis to end of life care. The alliance provides theoretical and practical training, as well as access to the latest research, evidence, technologies and associates involved in the treatment of canine patients.

History
Established originally in 2017 by Nupsala Veterinary Services, the alliance was set up to educate vet professionals on different topics around osteoarthritis management in canines. In 2019 it separated, becoming an independent not-for-profit organisation, now called the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance.

Purpose
The VOA works with veterinary clinics and rehabilitation therapists in the UK, providing multiple resources by utilising a body of multidisciplinary professionals to facilitate, support and better manage osteoarthritis from point of diagnosis to end-of-life care.

The vision and strategy of the alliance is headed by a team of directors, all professionals in this field, working to a common goal of helping the veterinary profession with the management of osteoarthritis in practice and the dissemination of new information.

VOA Learning Academy
A fundamental part of the VOA is the VOA Learning Academy.

For professionals
The VOA Academy offers veterinary professionals a hub of information to support the learning for VOA accreditation, further training and on-going support on the job. Training information is provided in the form of white papers, guidelines, case studies, webinars and in-person events.

For pet owners
The hub explains the benefits of treating a dog at an accredited clinic, as well as explaining what osteoarthritis in dogs actually is, allowing owners to make better-informed decisions about the care of their pet.

VOA Accreditation
There are currently no post-graduate training certificate opportunities in the area of osteoarthritis management in dogs, unlike in many other areas of veterinary medicine. Therefore, the VOA Accreditation scheme was set up to raise the standard of care by veterinary professionals, by providing guidelines in terms of best practice in the handling and treatment of this disease. The alliance regulates all aspects from training, delivery and record-keeping, to involvement with pet owners. VOA accreditation also gives pet owners the reassurance that their chosen clinic has extra interest and training in the field of osteoarthritic management.

Accreditation Process
VOA Accreditation is awarded by initially achieving Individual Accreditation through online CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and an exam to gain 1 Paw status, managed by the VOA Learning Academy. Practice Accreditation (from 2 Paws to 5 Paws) is awarded as a result of the completion of a rigorous evaluation process that ensures applicants meet VOA Standards. Accreditation must be renewed yearly.

Eligibility
Individual membership is open to veterinary clinicians, veterinary nurses and veterinary rehabilitation professionals. Clinic accreditation is open to veterinary clinics in the UK that have at least two members of staff who are VOA members and have the minimum 1 Paw grade VOA Accreditation.

Publications
The VOA produces a variety of resources for veterinary professionals and pet owners alike, which can be found on the VOA website:
 * Members courses
 * Accreditation guidelines
 * Authoritative reports and case studies
 * Expert veterinary osteoarthritic advice for pet owners