Advocate for Animals

	Dr. Barbara Hodges leads a group to promote a ban on chaining dogs. ©HSVMA

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.

In your practice:

• Educate your clients about the benefits of spay/neuter
• Offer education about and alternatives to cosmetic and convenience surgeries
• Offer behavior counseling to help prevent shelter relinquishment—you can start with these behavior tips
• Educate clients about responsible horse care
• Promote adoption from shelters and rescue groups

In your community:

• Volunteer for low-cost spay/neuter events such as those associated with World Spay Day (formerly known as Spay Day USA)
• 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

At the state or federal level:

• Write or speak in support of state or federalanimal protective legislation:
  • End the widespread, routine non-therapeutic use of antibiotics on factory farms...Sign our petition» | List of endorsers» | Read written testimony»
• Submit comments on federal regulatory guidelines involving animal welfare
• Volunteer to serve on advisory boards and committees that offer guidance on animal welfare

With HSVMA:

• Write a guest column for the HSVMA e-newsletter on an animal welfare topic
• 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
• Volunteer for an HSVMA Rural Area Veterinary Services (HSVMA-RAVS) clinic
• Educate your colleagues about HSVMA and encourage them to join

For more information about HSVMA Advocacy efforts or to get involved, email us.