Virtual fly-in connects 200+ veterinary advocates with Congress

The AVMA hosted its annual legislative fly-in on Wednesday, April 21, bringing veterinary students and veterinarians together online with their members of Congress to advocate on behalf of our profession.

The fly-in was the first ever to be held digitally by the AVMA. Attendees met with the AVMA advocacy team to review key talking points in advance, and discuss how to effectively meet with members of Congress and their staffs. This equipped the participants with a cohesive, unified, yet personalized approach to use in conversations with their representatives.

Throughout the day, the AVMA and veterinary constituents held 218 meetings with congressional offices, broadening Congress’ understanding of the unique needs of the veterinary profession.

“The AVMA legislative fly-in empowers our members with direct advocacy experience,” said AVMA President Dr. Douglas Kratt. “It provides veterinary students and veterinarians across the country an opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their members of Congress and bring them up to speed on issues that are important to the profession. We encourage all AVMA members to get involved in advocacy and participate in a legislative fly-in.” 

Thirty-one veterinary schools were represented in Wednesday’s fly-in, holding 90 meetings with Senate offices and 128 with House offices. A total of 211 AVMA and SAVMA members participated, making it the highest attended legislative day in AVMA history.

“The legislative fly-in has provided us with the ability to engage with our congressional offices to discuss issues that are important to the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Tracy Kelliher, Nebraska's alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. “As a result, the voice of the profession is amplified on Capitol Hill, and congressional offices learn more about our legislative priorities. I would like to thank the AVMA for conducting this productive event.”

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