The World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) had its beginnings in a bar in Amsterdam at the time of a Voorjaasdagen meeting. Those present were familiar with both the North American and European veterinary dermatology meetings. There appeared to be a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on both, and develop the concept of an international, or a world meeting.

This would provide a focus for sharing the latest research and trends in treatment. By fostering interaction, the synergy and collaboration would surely yield results that surpassed the sum of the individual efforts. Thus the concept of a World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology was pursued with vigour, and culminated when some 600 delegates from 35 countries assembled in Dijon from September 27th-30th, 1989.

The goal of this first congress, which was maintained in all subsequent congresses, was twofold – firstly to provide a forum for presentation of the latest research, and secondly to present the very best of continuing education for practitioners. 

Every four years the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology is organised under the auspices of the WAVD, with the goal to continually improve the event.