The Assembly is the governing body of the Association. It is composed of one representative from each member institution. Each member institution has one vote, which is cast by the institutional representative. Affiliate members do not vote, but they may participate in discussions as observers. Any employee of a member institution may also participate in Assembly meetings as observers.
The Assembly delegates much of its authority and responsibility to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of the president, president-elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer, and four members at-large elected to represent the institutional membership categories.
Standing committees examine different issues affecting the profession and develop recommendations for board consideration. Recommendations are also considered by the Executive Committee, which is composed of the president, president-elect and past president. The Executive Committee informs the Board of its actions. Special projects frequently are assigned to ad hoc committees or task forces. A large number of liaison appointments provide communication and coordination with other organizations of importance to AAVMC.
The Association is supported primarily through dues paid by Institutional Members. Corporate sponsorship contributes additional support either to the Association as a whole or to special projects managed by the Association. The Internal Revenue Service classifies AAVMC as a 501 C (3) tax-exempt organization. The AAVMC was originally chartered as a Not For Profit Corporation in the State of Illinois. Currently, the AAVMC is chartered in the District of Columbia.