Advocacy

Advocate for Animals


A team of HSVMA veterinarians participated in an Equine Lobby Day in September 2019 in Washington, DC, meeting with federal legislators and their staff on several equine welfare bills.

Whether making slight changes in your practice protocol or joining efforts to enact animal protection laws or regulations, now is the time to get involved.

At the state or federal level:

  • Write or speak in support of state or federal animal protective legislation or regulatory issues. Here is a current issue you can help with:
    • March 2023: Contact the USDA/APHIS to urge more humane animal handling and environmental enrichment for animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act. Deadline to comment is April 10, 2023. More information HERE.

In Your Practice:

  • Educate your clients about the benefits of spay/neuter
  • Discuss the health and welfare implications of overbreeding, including the health challenges facing brachycephalics
  • Offer education about and alternatives to cosmetic and convenience surgeries such as cat declawing
  • Offer behavior counseling to help prevent shelter relinquishment
  • Educate clients about responsible equine care
  • Promote adoption from shelters an rescue groups

Visit our Resources page for information and tips on these topics. 

In your community:

  • Volunteer for low-cost spay/neuter events such as those associated with World Spay Day
  • Get involved in humane education efforts in your local schools
  • Write Letters to the Editor to your local newspaper on animal welfare topics
  • Serve as a resource for local animal agencies control during animal cruelty investigations

In the profession:

  • Encourage your state, national or special veterinary association to adopt resolutions promoting animal welfare
  • Write Letters to the Editor to professional publications in support of animal welfare positions
  • Offer to present at veterinary conventions or other continue education venues on animal welfare topics

With HSVMA:

  • Volunteer to write support letters or testify on puppy mill legislation or other HSVMA-backed bills in your state
  • Serve as an HSVMA mentor to veterinary students or present on animal welfare topics as part of our HSVMA Speaker's Bureau
  • Educate your colleagues about HSVMA and encourage them to join
  • Visit the HSVMA volunteering page for more opportunities
For more information about HSVMA Advocacy efforts or to get involved, email us.