The American Veterinary Medical Association, established in 1863, is the largest not-for-profit veterinary association in the world. The AVMA represents more than 76,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services.

The AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession. With every new member, our voice becomes stronger and more effective.

There are many reasons why you should belong to the AVMA. Here are just 10:

1) YOUR ADVOCATE
The AVMA advocates for policies on federal and state legislative and regulatory issues that impact you, your profession, your clients, your patients and society.

2) HIGH EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS
The AVMA ensures that the "gold standard" of accreditation requirements for the schools that educate veterinarians and veterinary technicians are enforced and the standards upheld.

3) VOICE OF THE PROFESSION
Hundreds of veterinarian members participate in the development of scientifically sound policies that guide decisions from local municipalities all the way up to the federal government. The AVMA allows veterinarians to speak with one voice on critical matters impacting the profession.

4) WORLD-CLASS PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE
The AVMA provides timely and reliable access to information important to the veterinary profession.

1. The Journal of the AVMA (JAVMA), which is available in print and online, is a peer-reviewed, general scientific journal that keeps everyone interested in the veterinary profession up-to-date through a wide variety of clinical studies, regular feature articles, and news of the profession.
2. The American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR), also available in print and online, features peer-reviewed reports of applied research in veterinary medicine and associated biological sciences.
3. The Membership Directory and Resource Manual helps members stay in touch and includes information and resources valuable to the profession, as well as references to find the most current AVMA policies online.

5) CONTINUING EDUCATION and NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
The AVMA Annual Convention offers exciting and valuable educational opportunities, networking and relaxation. Convenient, online CE derived from convention programs and journal articles will be available exclusively through the AVMA later this year.

6) PROVIDING GUIDELINES
The AVMA provides guidelines for the practice of veterinary medicine in the United States. Codes of ethics and guidelines of service are developed and evaluated on an ongoing basis to appropriately protect animal and human health.

7) VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The AVMA provides numerous volunteer opportunities to serve the profession and the Association in many areas on its councils, committees, advisory boards and task forces. The AVMA also assists members in finding other opportunities that exist at the grassroots, local and state levels. The AVMA also has developed Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams, made up of veterinarian volunteers who can provide on-site assessment and basic emergency medical care in a disaster.

8) SUPPORT FOR FUTURE COLLEAGUES
The AVMA, the Student Chapters of the AVMA (SCAVMA) and the Student AVMA (SAVMA) work together to offer students countless opportunities in veterinary medicine, including student seats on AVMA entities and opportunities to provide input as tomorrow's leaders.

9) MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS and SERVICES
The AVMA provides member-only opportunities! Here are just a few:

1. Insurance
   – Through the AVMA PLIT – Affordable professional liability insurance, workers' compensation and business insurance coverage, as well as personal insurance coverage benefits, including homeowners, personal auto, renters, personal umbrella liability and more.
   – Through the AVMA GHLIT – Coverage for disability, medical care and life.
2. Career assistance – Through the AVMA Veterinary Career Center (VCC) job postings are maintained and updated regularly. Job seekers' resumes are searchable by employers with current job postings. The VCC helps you make the right connections professionally, with confidence and confidentiality.
3. Discounted Programs – With companies such as, Lands' End, Bank of America Credit Card, Banc of America Practice Solutions, Inc, Chase Paymentech (merchant card processing), and Subaru of America (discounted car purchasing).

10) PROMOTING VETERINARIANS TO THE PUBLIC
The AVMA is acknowledged by the government, public and other organizations as the recognized resource for any and all questions related to veterinary medicine and animal health.