Advocating for veterinary small businesses

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VETERINARY VOICES

guiding public policy

In this article:
  • Discover how AVMA’s advocacy work supports veterinary small businesses and their employees.
  • Explore the small business issues that are among AVMA's priorities when working with Washington policymakers.
  • Find out how to stay up-to-date on small business issues being considered in Congress.

The AVMA supports a business environment that allows veterinarians to thrive in rewarding and financially sustainable careers. The Association advocates for increased access to healthcare and retirement planning options, a fairer and simpler tax system for veterinarians, flexibility in retirement planning, and other policies that make sense for those who own and work for small businesses.

Taxes

The AVMA works to improve and simplify tax policies for veterinarians. This includes supporting tax laws that treat veterinarians fairly and promote a strong business environment for veterinary business owners. The Association is vigilant in making sure veterinary voices are heard in discussions related to tax legislation and regulations.

Retirement

The AVMA advocates for initiatives that make more and better retirement planning options available to veterinarians and veterinary teams. AVMA support was critical in securing passage of legislation that enabled the AVMA Trust to begin offering a retirement plan for veterinary business owners, including the self-employed. With passage of the so-called Secure Act and Secure Act 2.0, AVMA members are now able to band together through the Trust to offer robust retirement benefits to employees while taking advantage of cost efficiencies, simplified administration, and reduced fiduciary burden.

Health care

Health care is a valued employee benefit in any profession. When changes to the health care marketplace forced an end to the AVMA Trust's veterinary health insurance offerings in 2013, the AVMA worked with lawmakers to enact new laws that allowed these plans to be reinstated. Thanks to this work, the Trust's personalized group healthcare solution is once again available in all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. The AVMA continues to support legislation that provides support for these offerings, including changes that would enhance the opportunities for veterinary small businesses to band together for more competitive health insurance offerings.

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AVMA helps secure better retirement options for veterinary teams


The AVMA-supported Securing a Strong Retirement Act 2.0 was enacted in December 2022 and makes it easier for small businesses to band together and improve retirement offerings. Discover the provisions of this important bill, along with other 2022 wins for veterinary advocates.

Read more

Get involved

AVMA's advocacy work is powered by the combined strength of our diverse membership. From online letter-writing to in-person visits with lawmakers, volunteer advocates help drive legislative successes that protect, promote, and advance the veterinary profession. You can start with these simple actions:

Discover more ways to increase your impact at avma.org/GetInvolved.