This organization shall be known as the International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology.

Section 1. To advance veterinary and comparative dermatopathology.

Section 2. To provide an organization for the recognition and development of individuals who have a professional interest in the histologic interpretation of skin diseases of animals.

Section 3. To assist and coordinate the adaptation and implementation of emerging technologies for the morphologic diagnosis of skin diseases in animals.

Section 4. To further the understanding of veterinary dermatopathology by:

a) Encouraging training of pathology and dermatology residents in dermatopathology through utilization of expertise of members who practice the discipline in veterinary colleges, industry, governmental veterinary diagnostic facilities, and private veterinary pathology services.

b) Providing through meetings, seminars, and courses, the opportunity for graduate veterinarians, especially those who are members of allied specialty colleges (e.g., the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, European College of Veterinary Dermatology, Australian College of Veterinary Scientists, Dermatology Chapter, European College of Veterinary Pathologists and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists) or organizations (e.g., the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies) to learn advanced techniques and emerging concepts in veterinary dermatopathology. Continuing education courses will be offered in conjunction with specialty group meetings held by the ACVP, ACVD, AAVD, ESVD and World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology.

Section 5. To provide for an affiliation with physician dermatopathologists for the purpose of exchanging information on comparative dermatopathology.

Section 1. There shall be three forms of membership:

1) Full Member

2) Affiliate membership

3) Honorary membership

Section 2. Qualifications for Membership:

a) Full Membership shall be limited to veterinarians with an interest in dermatopathology. (Please note that two-tiered membership has been abolished. Please note that the requirement for AVMA membership has been deleted.)

b) Affiliate membership shall be open to all non-veterinarians* who are graduates in an allied medical field and are interested in veterinary dermatopathology * and/or who have either earned a PhD, DVM or DDS or be a researcher, scientist or non-veterinarian with a demonstrated special interest in pathology of the skin or research therein ; Affiliate members shall not vote or hold office in the organization.

c) Honorary membership shall be reserved for members or non-members who have made major contributions to the advancement of veterinary dermatopathology. Honorary membership shall be approved by the Executive Board and require approval by the majority of the VOTING FULL membership. Honorary members shall not be required to pay the initial membership fee or annual dues.

Section 1. The officers of the Society shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. The term of office shall be two (2) years.

Section 3. The Secretary and Treasurer may succeed themselves in office without limitation.

Section 4. The Vice President shall become acting President to fill the unexpired term, if for any reason, the President shall be unable to fulfill the duties of the office.

Section 5. The Executive Board shall fill other vacancies, which might occur, from qualified members.

Section 1. The Executive Board shall be composed of the officers, the immediate Past President, and two other elected qualified members. The Executive Board shall also consist of standing committee chairs.

Section 2. This Board shall be the executive body of the Society and shall have the responsibility for administering Society affairs. The board shall nominate, by majority, members of standing committees other than the chairs.

Section 1. The Executive Board shall call an annual meeting of the Society.

Section 2. Special meetings may be called by the President at his/her discretion.

Section 1. Any proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be reviewed and supported by at least three (3) members in good standing, and submitted to the Executive Board via the internet for its consideration. The Executive Board will present the proposed amendments to the full membership at least (60) days prior to a call for a vote. Discussions may take place via the ISVD listserv. A call for a vote will be made via the ISVD listserv during the first 60 days following presentation of the proposed amendments on the listserv. An affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the membership respondents shall be required for the adoption of any amendment. Votes will be tabulated through the ISVD listserv.