The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) is a not-for-profit organization, formed in 1998 in response to the re-structuring of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). In 1974 a group of forward-thinking veterinarians founded IVAS. Over the years IVAS has grown to become a truly international organization, and the AAVA was formed to meet the specific needs of American veterinary acupuncturists. The AAVA is an affiliate organization, and is fully recognized by IVAS.