A collaborative approach is essential for surveillance and control of transboundary animal diseases. Establishing networks offers the possibility to define regional strategies for surveillance and control, sharing expertise, developing technical programmes, and building capacity. CaribVET, the Caribbean Animal Health Network emerged more than a decade ago starting by regional technical activities strengthening the countries? capacity to safeguard and manage the incidence of transboundary diseases. The Network has progressively achieved recognition as the animal health network in the Caribbean. It was endorsed as a safeguarding tool for use in 2006 by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which comprises 15 Member States and 5 Associate Member States. By 2010 membership in CaribVET has expanded to 31 countries and territories and 10 regional/international organizations, universities and research institutes. The Members of the Network in visioning for its future have created a Charter in order to solidify its sustainability. The Charter gives quasi-legal status, defining terms of reference; objectives of the network; membership; chairmanship; organizational structure, operational procedures, internal and external communication and prescriptions for funding. This charter is considered by the members of the network as an essential institutionalization tool for facilitating the development of cohesive programmes, maintaining transparency and creating trust among all members, providing information on the network to partners; mobilizing technical and financial resources, and engaging in cooperation agreements with international organizations. In essence the charter is one of the keys element considered fundamental for the sustainability of this regional network.