AVMA advocacy

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In this article
  • Learn what AVMA is doing to advance public policy.
  • See how you can get involved to improve the future of the veterinary profession.
  • Stay up-to-date on issues that impact veterinarians and our profession.
  • Explore veterinary workforce issues.

Veterinary workforce

The veterinary profession is searching for workforce solutions to ensure that our practices are able to care for patients now and long into the future. What are the right answers?

Explore the issues

Representing veterinarians at all levels

As the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, the AVMA serves as veterinary medicine’s voice before Congress, federal agencies, and courts. The AVMA also partners with state and local veterinary medical associations as well as international organizations to ensure veterinary voices are heard when and where they're needed.

As a trusted leader and convener, the AVMA works with policymakers to strengthen every aspect of the veterinary profession. The AVMA also monitors legislative and regulatory developments across the country, alerts our members and partners of issues that might affect them, and amplifies veterinary professionals’ advocacy efforts.
Our priority advocacy issues include:

Be an advocate for veterinary medicine

AVMA's advocacy work is powered by the combined strength of our diverse membership. Your expertise can help shape public policy that advances veterinary medicine.

See all ways to get involved

 

AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN)

AVMA CAN empowers you with tools to learn about effective advocacy and to speak up on decisions that impact our profession. Be sure to sign up to earn points, receive action alerts, and get the most out of your advocacy!

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AVMA Political Action Committee (PAC)

The AVMA PAC helps veterinarians build relationships with lawmakers, amplifying the AVMA's voice on Capitol Hill. The PAC unites AVMA and SAVMA members' voices, strengthening our impact and ability to protect and advance veterinary medicine, our clients, and patients.

Learn more

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State resources

The AVMA’s advocacy work at the state and local level is guided by the needs and requests from state and allied veterinary groups. Check with your state board of veterinary medicine to understand how laws and regulations in your state are interpreted and enforced.

State legislative updates provide summaries of state bills and regulations tracked by the AVMA.

Advocating around the world

The AVMA’s global alliances help promote animal health and welfare on the world stage as well. See the AVMA’s international efforts.

Latest advocacy news

Steering group suggests changes for more pet-friendly rental housing

July 16, 2024

Ergen, Quammen kick off campaigns for 2025-26 AVMA president-elect

June 23, 2024

Champion for veterinary profession wins AVMA Award posthumously

June 22, 2024

USDA’s loan repayment program pays out $9M in 2023

May 20, 2024

Board revises AVMA policies on horse tripping, opioids, public health

May 2, 2024

WHO publishes updated list of medically important antimicrobials

April 19, 2024

Stay informed

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Contact us

Are you an AVMA member with a question on one of AVMA's legislative priorities? Email avmagrdatavma [dot] org (avmagrd[at]avma[dot]org).

Reporters: Contact AVMA's media relations team.