Advocacy overview

Advocacy
In this article:
  • Learn what AVMA is doing to advance veterinary medicine.
  • Find tools to make your advocacy more effective. See how you can get involved to improve the future of the veterinary profession.
  • Act on issues that impact veterinarians and our profession.
Advocacy

The AVMA represents the interests of veterinarians through strategically targeted advocacy in Congress, with regulatory agencies, and before the courts. At the state level, we work as trusted partners to complement the advocacy work of state veterinary medical associations. Powered by the strength and support of AVMA’s diverse membership, we’re putting ideas into action around issues important to veterinarians, veterinary teams, our animal patients, and our clients:

  • Education and student debt
  • Economics
  • Small business
  • Animal welfare
  • Research
  • Public health
  • Access to veterinary care
  • Scope of practice
  • Much more

AVMA is the only national veterinary organization working with policymakers in all branches of the government to strengthen every aspect of the veterinary profession, ensure veterinary viewpoints are heard, and elevate the voices of our individual members.

State & local advocacy

State and local advocacy

AVMA works with state and local veterinary associations to advocate for animal health, animal welfare, and the advancement of veterinary medicine. We work closely with our local partners to craft policies, give guidance, and provide other assistance that helps them meet their advocacy goals.

Get involved

Learn how you can improve the future of animal health and welfare, and the veterinary profession. Your expertise can help decisionmakers shape public policy that advances veterinary medicine.

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National advocacy

National Advocacy

The AVMA represents and amplifies veterinarians’ voices when federal lawmakers consider issues that affect animal health, public health and the veterinary profession. Learn what AVMA is doing to advance veterinary medicine at the national level.

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

 

Get the AVMA Advocate

Learn how federal laws impact veterinary medicine.

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AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network

The AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (AVMA CAN) empowers you with tools to speak up on decisions that impact veterinarians and issues we care about. You can help protect our profession and ensure that veterinary causes are advanced. 

Join for free

Latest advocacy news from AVMA@Work

Xylitol labeling legislation would promote pet safety

September 14, 2021

Make your voice heard: Attend an AVMA congressional town hall meeting

July 12, 2021

Dog importation bill would better protect animals and people

June 30, 2021

Alleviating veterinary shortages: Efforts reintroduced in Senate

June 29, 2021