Get involved
In this article:
- See how you can advocate for the veterinary profession, regardless where you are.
- Learn about hands-on advocacy opportunities.
- Find tools to make your advocacy more effective.
Advocate from anywhere
AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (AVMA CAN)
AVMA CAN is a community that brings together tens of thousands of veterinary professionals, veterinary students, and friends of veterinary medicine who are committed to protecting our profession. Every day, Congress and regulatory agencies make decisions that impact veterinarians, our patients, and our clients. AVMA CAN gives you tools to speak up, protect our profession, and advance veterinary medicine.
AVMA Political Action Committee (AVMA PAC)
Are you an AVMA or SAVMA member looking to get more involved in federal advocacy? Learn more about the AVMA PAC, which builds relationships with lawmakers that amplify the AVMA's voice in policy discussions on Capitol Hill.
AVMA Ambassador Program
The AVMA Ambassador Program connects veterinarians directly with members of Congress. Ambassadors visit with lawmakers in their home state, building relationships and ensuring that they hear directly from constituent veterinarians about issues that are important to the profession.
Hands-on advocacy
AVMA congressional fellowships
As an AVMA member, you have an unparalleled opportunity to help develop national policy while serving your country and profession. Check out AVMA's Congressional Fellowship Program, which offers the opportunity to work for one year in Washington as a scientific advisor to a member of Congress.
AVMA government relations externships
If you’re a third- or fourth-year veterinary student, AVMA can help you gain hands-on experience learning about public policy. AVMA externs in Washington educate lawmakers about issues that impact our profession while networking with officials from across the federal government. Externships last four weeks.
AVMA legislative fly-in
The AVMA hosts fly-ins that bring veterinarians and veterinary students to Washington to meet with their members of Congress.
Advocacy tools
Advocacy comes in all shapes and sizes—from emailing your member of Congress to submitting a letter to the editor or participating in a town hall meeting. Get involved in local, state, and national issues so you can bring scientific expertise to conversations that impact the veterinary profession and animal health and welfare.