Qualifications include graduation from an accredited College of Veterinary Medicine and completion of an internship program or equivalent experience. The residency is a three-year program structured to meet the requirements established by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. In addition, clinical rotations are provided in radiology, anesthesiology, pathology, critical care and small animal medicine. A rotation may be provided at one of the area's human hospitals, depending upon the resident's area of interest.
Residents bear the primary responsibility for emergency surgical coverage at both hospitals.
Residents actively participate in the instruction of veterinary students in the hospital clinics, and the spay clinic. Participation in research, leading to submission of one major paper for publication is required during the three-year program. Continuation in the program from year to year is contingent upon satisfactory performance. Semi-annual evaluations of progress are provided to each resident. A certificate of residency is awarded to the candidate upon successful completion of the training program.