AVMA advocacy

Fly-in in Washington, D.C.
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!

Get started

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

A woman stands in front of a legislative building

Federal resources

The AVMA, our ambassadors, and advocates amplify the voice of the profession on Capitol Hill through various events, meetings, and campaigns throughout the year to advance legislation that benefits and protects veterinary medicine.

The AVMA’s federal advocacy update provides a high-level summary of the top legislative and regulatory initiatives the AVMA is working on at the federal level. 

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

Mexican veterinary school withdrawing from COE accreditation

April 23, 2025

Catch up on cannabis with updated AVMA report

April 21, 2025

APHIS further postpones Horse Protection Act changes

April 16, 2025

Veterinarians among those cut in extensive layoffs at HHS

April 4, 2025

AVMA advocacy evident in recently introduced legislation

April 3, 2025

Veterinary professional associate role moves ahead

March 17, 2025

Stay informed

Discover all the ways you can stay up to date about issues that impact veterinary medicine.

Learn more

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.