State Legislative Resources

WELCOME to the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) State Legislative Resources area. AVMA is the internationally recognized source of science-based information and answers on topics related to animal health, animal welfare and public health. For 150 years, legislators, the media and the public have turned to us when they needed answers to their questions or guidance on the scientific approach to complex issues. AVMA policy has provided knowledgeable guidance to those who seek answers – from state legislators to town halls, and remains the one source that the public can rely on for scientifically proven advice.

The links at the left side of this page explore many of these valuable resources.

Some materials included in this area have been prepared by organizations other than AVMA. Links to other Web sites are provided for information and convenience only. The inclusion of such materials or links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of those views and positions.

The AVMA is honored to work with you to achieve our shared goals of informing, improving and protecting the health and safety of our citizens and animals.

What is the AVMA?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), established in 1863, is the largest veterinary medical association in the world. As a not-for-profit association established to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine, the AVMA is the recognized voice of the veterinary profession. The Association's more than ​89,000 members (representing approximately 86 percent of all U.S. veterinarians) are involved in all areas of veterinary medical practice, including: private, corporate, academic, industrial, governmental, military, and public health practices.

"THE GREATNESS OF A NATION AND ITS MORAL PROGRESS CAN BE JUDGED BY THE WAY ITS ANIMALS ARE TREATED."

Mahatma Gandhi

U.S. states, territories, and various species-related and specialty groups also have independent veterinary associations offering their unique perspectives. The AVMA works closely with each of these associations to effectively represent the entire profession. The AVMA, including its Department of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. The association also has a Government Relations Division in Washington, DC to address federal matters.

Veterinarians lend their expertise to a wide variety of departments within federal, state, and local governments. At the federal level, these include the National Institutes of Health, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Veterans Administration, U.S. military, and the United States Senate. Veterinarians in the Epidemiological Investigative Service of the CDC participate in disease outbreak investigations.

At the state and local levels, veterinarians are valued members of legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, public health services, diagnostic laboratories, animal control departments, and departments of agriculture. All this and we take care of your pets, too!

The AVMA monitors legislative and regulatory activity on both the state and federal level, and, as appropriate, comments on a variety of issues impacting the profession, animals and the public. Recent examples of issues in which we are involved include: animal welfare, agricultural production, food safety and public health, pharmacy standards, environmental and waste management, wildlife and endangered species, small businesses concerns, research, biotechnology, and education.

How We Can Help You

If you've got questions...we've got answers. The AVMA can be an invaluable resource. Some of the areas in which we are involved and have information that may be helpful are:

"ALL ANIMALS, EXCEPT MAN, KNOW THAT THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF LIFE IS TO ENJOY IT."