Shaping the veterinary profession through volunteer service
By Anita Suresh and Malinda Larkin
Updated on October 29, 2025
The AVMA is looking for volunteers to become leaders of the Association, including as officers, Board of Directors members, and council or committee positions, taking on top issues in veterinary medicine.
The Association currently seeks candidates for president-elect and for two seats on the AVMA Board of Directors, as well as nominations or applications for numerous other volunteer positions. Details and forms are available on the AVMA website or by emailing OfficeEVP
avma [dot] org (OfficeEVP[at]avma[dot]org).
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, AVMA president, said, "Volunteering with the AVMA has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding decisions in my career. It has allowed me to give back to a profession that has given me so much, while ensuring that my voice helps shape the future of veterinary medicine."
"Through service, we amplify our collective impact, expand our professional networks, share knowledge, and strengthen the voice of our profession, all while demonstrating our commitment to those we serve. Every perspective matters, and I encourage each of you to consider how your unique experience and insight can make a meaningful difference."
President-elect, Board of Directors
The AVMA is calling for candidates to run for president-elect for the Association year running from summer 2027 to summer 2028. While the Association will accept applications through summer 2027, candidates who submit materials by May 21, 2026, can formally announce their candidacy and present themselves to the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) in conjunction with AVMA Convention 2026.
Candidates will then have a full year to campaign. Election by the House will take place during its regular annual session in conjunction with the 2027 convention. The president-elect will serve as president for the 2028-29 Association year.
The AVMA also continues to accept nominations for 2026-27 president-elect and for 2026-28 vice president. Election by the HOD will take place during its regular annual session in conjunction with the AVMA Convention 2026, happening July 10-14 in Anaheim, California.
The Association is currently seeking nominations from AVMA voting members in districts 4 and 11 for a representative from each district to serve on the Board of Directors for a six-year term starting in summer 2026. District 4 consists of Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. District 11 consists of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington state, and Wyoming.
The AVMA will accept nominations from state VMAs in each district or by petition of 50 AVMA voting members in the district. The deadline for receipt of nominations is February 1, 2026. If the district has more than one nominee, the Association will distribute a ballot to each voting member in the district.
Councils and committees
In spring 2026, the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA COE) Selection Committee will select one AVMA COE member to represent private small animal clinical practice. Applications may be submitted from January 15, 2026, through March 15, 2026.
The AVMA COE will also be accepting applications for site visitors beginning December 1 through January 15, 2026. Application forms will be available on the AVMA website in mid-December. Applicants must be available to attend site visitor training September 25-27, 2026.
Starting mid-November, the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) Selection Committee will be accepting applications for candidates to fill two CVTEA positions for six-year terms beginning July 2026 and ending July 2032. Applications are due February 10, 2026.
Veterinary technician candidates must be a graduate of a CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program, and a member in good standing with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. The positions to be filled are a veterinarian representing small animal clinical veterinary medicine and a veterinary technician, with preference for those who have graduated within the past five years.
The HOD will elect members of AVMA councils other than the AVMA COE this coming summer during its regular annual session in conjunction with AVMA Convention 2026. The House fills vacancies on the Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, Council on Public Health, Council on Research, and Council on Veterinary Service.
The AVMA will accept nominations for positions on these councils from organizations in the HOD or by petition of 10 AVMA voting members. The deadline is May 1, 2026. In addition, the HOD will elect four members to fill vacancies on the AVMA House Advisory Committee during its meeting. The application deadline for four at-large positions on the HAC, each for three-year terms beginning July 2026 and ending July 2029, is May 1, 2026.
The AVMA Board of Directors will make appointments to fill numerous committee positions in April 2026. The vacancies include positions on committees addressing subjects ranging from animal welfare to food safety to veterinary economics.
For many of these vacancies, AVMA members can apply on their own behalf or make a nomination on another member's behalf. For other vacancies, nominations must be made by a specific organization represented in the HOD or as otherwise stated in the vacancy description. The deadline is March 1, 2026.
"Leadership involves more than just showing up; it’s about speaking up because a silent voice is no voice. Volunteer with the AVMA and help shape the future of veterinary medicine," Dr. Bailey said.
Correction: A previous version of this story gave the incorrect date for the AVMA Council on Education site visitor application deadline.
Nominations sought for AVMA Panel on Euthanasia
The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia is seeking nominations for working group members.
Members of the working groups will review and recommend updates to the content of the AVMA’s Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals in their area of subject matter expertise.
Working groups will begin their work in spring 2026 and their efforts will continue for approximately two to three years until all updates are complete. The working groups will meet virtually, so no travel is involved.
Interested individuals may self-nominate, indicating their interest and expertise in one particular species or technique category. Examples are listed below.
Species groups
- Aquaculture
- Cattle
- Companion animals
- Equids
- Laboratory animals
- Poultry
- Small Ruminants
- Swine
- Zoo and wild animals
Technique categories
- Inhalant methods
- Non-inhalant methods
- Physical methods
To ensure appropriate consideration, veterinarians should also update their professional activity information on their AVMA profile.
Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2026, using the online form located here. Self-nominations are acceptable.
To ensure appropriate consideration, nominees should update their professional activity information on their AVMA profile.
Questions may be sent to humanendingsavma [dot] org (humanendings[at]avma[dot]org).