Holders of the CVOM and CVPM credentials agree to comply with the following enforceable standards. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of certification.
I. Professional Integrity
Honesty and Conduct
Certificants shall:
• Act honestly and in good faith in all professional activities.
• Provide truthful, complete, and non-misleading information.
Certificants shall not engage in fraud, deception, or misrepresentation.
Representation of Credentials
Certificants shall:
• Accurately represent their qualifications and experience.
• Use CVOM/CVPM designations only while active and in good standing and in accordance with VHMA policies.
Certificants shall not misstate the meaning, scope, or authority of the credential.
Legal Compliance
Certificants shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Violation of the law that relates to professional duties constitutes a violation of this Code.
II. Ethical Leadership and Stewardship
Ethical Workplace Practices
Certificants shall:
• Promote and enforce ethical conduct within their organization.
• Implement policies that support accountability, fairness, and compliance.
Conflicts of Interest
Certificants shall:
• Avoid conflicts of interest that impair objectivity.
• Disclose any actual or potential conflict promptly in writing.
• Take documented steps to eliminate or mitigate the conflict.
Certificants shall not use their position for personal gain at the expense of their employer or clients.
Financial Responsibility
Certificants shall:
• Safeguard all funds, assets, and property under their control.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial records.
Certificants shall not engage in fraud, theft, embezzlement, or unauthorized use of resources.
III. Confidentiality, Professional Conduct, and Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare
Certificants shall support and uphold accepted standards of veterinary care and animal welfare.
Confidentiality and Information Use
Certificants shall:
• Protect confidential client, patient, employee, and business information.
• Use such information only for authorized business purposes.
Certificants shall not disclose or distribute confidential information without authorization, except as required by law.
Workplace Conduct
Certificants shall:
• Maintain professional, respectful, and inclusive workplaces.
Certificants shall not engage in or tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or abusive conduct.
IV. Public Trust and Credential Integrity
Protection of the Credential
Certificants shall:
• Act in a manner that upholds the reputation and integrity of VHMA and its credentials.
Public Conduct
Certificants shall:
• Conduct themselves professionally in all public and professional settings.
• Avoid conduct that could reasonably damage public trust in the profession or VHMA.
Enforcement
• Certificants shall cooperate with VHMA ethics investigations.
• Violations may result in sanctions, including reprimand, suspension, or revocation of certification.
• Failure to cooperate with an investigation constitutes a separate violation.
• Comply with final decisions.
Adopted July 14, 2026