The aim of the European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) is to promote excellence in zoological medicine. It is a European Veterinary Specialist College formed under the auspices of the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS). The ECZM evolved from the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery (ECAMS), founded in 1993. In 2009 the following new specialist areas were provisionally recognised by the EBVS: Herpetological Medicine, Small Mammal Medicine and Wildlife Population Health, and in 2012 Zoo Health Management. The specialist areas run parallel and separate to each other.

The ECZM was established to make further progress in research and practice to benefit health and well-being of free-ranging and captive non-domesticated animals. It invests efforts to establish and maintain high standards of training that will lead to recognition as European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine. Certification increases prestige of the profession and results in more competent zoological veterinary medicine service to associated institutions and public parties/entities. The College encourages veterinarians interested in obtaining specialty status in Zoological Medicine to enter a residency program through the ECZM in order to obtain competences based on approved standards.