The original idea for a scientific society for veterinary medicine was proposed in 1949 by Professors Roots and Haupt (Giessen). It took until 1951, though, for the faculty body to actually create it. The founding fathers of the German Veterinary Medical Society (DVG) were Professors Berge (Giessen), Cohrs (Hannover), Dehner (Giessen), Henkels (Hannover), Lerche (Berlin), Nusshag (Leipzig), Westhues (München), Roots (Giessen), and Haupt (Giessen). In 1953, all German veterinarians were called upon to join the German Veterinary Medical Society. At the first conference in 1955 in Bad Nauheim, the first board of directors was elected, and bylaws were drafted and submitted to the district court in Giessen for approval. Within a relatively short period of time, the DVG developed into a highly respected, influential and effective scientific association which incorporates all fields of veterinary science.

The DVG is currently one of the largest voluntary umbrella organizations in veterinary medicine in Germany with over 5000 members. It includes 36 specialty committees which are combined into six working groups. In addition, the DVG has commissions that deal with specific topics.

The DVG holds a conference every two years which is dedicated to current topics in veterinary medicine. Due to the acknowledged expertise of its members from all areas of veterinary medical research, the DVG is able to react to current problems in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and consumer protection with expert knowledge and is available to the public for educated advice or opinions. The DVG collaborates with governmental departments, the national veterinary board and its academy for veterinary continuing education, the German Research Association (DFG) and other organizations that promote research. This shows the breadth of the activities of the DVG and its close connection with related disciplines such as comparative medicine, genetics, biology, animal protection and animal behaviour, environment, agricultural sciences and animal husbandry.

The specialty committees are involved in the organization of conferences, symposiums, seminars and workshops, which are often carried out in cooperation with other scientific and research organizations in Germany and abroad.

The commission “disinfection in veterinary medicine” was founded in 1970 to meet the growing need for specific information on the effect and applicability of disinfectants and disinfection methods. This demand is currently as strong as ever. Testing of a disinfectant according to the DVG guidelines and the following inclusion of the disinfectant in the disinfection lists published by the DVG (divided into the categories food and/or animal husbandry) is an important source of information for users of disinfectants. In addition, listing of a product in the DVG lists is an indispensable proof of quality necessary for placement of a product on the market.

The DVG awards the “Martin Lerche research prize” and the “prize for the advancement of young scientists”. The DVG also administers four foundations:

1. "Curt-and-Anneliese-Höhner-Foundation",

2. "Karl-Fritzsche-Foundation",

3. "Ursula-and-Heinz-Georg-Klös-Foundation"

4. "Dres. Jutta- und Georg-Bruns-Stiftung für innovative Veterinärmedizin"

which are dedicated to specific purposes.

In 2001, the DVG was restructured under the direction of Martens (Berlin), Wolf (München), Deegen (Hannover), Fehlhaber (Leipzig), Weiß (Giessen) and Moennig (Hannover). The DVG Service GmbH, which takes charge of all of the financial activities of the organization, according to current law, was founded under the aegis of the treasurer Weiß. Founding business manager is Weiß. This structural change allowed the German Veterinary Medical Society to offer its services in a modern and professional manner, in order to continue its work successfully and at the same high standard.

The management of the society is conducted by the board of directors, the advisory board, and the general assembly. The DVG facilities include the DVG Service GmbH and, connected with it, the office in Giessen.