House of Delegates

By Deb Nickelson, D.V.M., M.B.A, AAIV Delegate to the AVMA HOD Dr. Wendy Weirich, former AAIV board member and long-standing member of the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee informed us that the AVMA policy, “Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing and education” is under review and open for comments. There are lab animal veterinarians on the Animal Welfare Committee who will ensure that all lab animal regulations are followed in any changes that are made. Basically, the majority of dogs and cats used in biomedical research and testing are bred specifically for such use by USDA Class A licensees and are referred to as purpose-bred animals. However, there may be limited research and testing situations where there is a justifiable need for dogs and cats with other genetic and physical features not found in purpose-bred animals. Such animals may include random-source animals. Random-source animals are also used for limited veterinary and science education purposes. The carefully controlled use of random-source dogs and cats can contribute to improving the health and welfare of animals and humans. The decision to use such animals should always include rigorous consideration of the 3Rs principles of refinement, reduction, and replacement. The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, with provisions outlined in the policy. This policy was last reviewed and updated in 2021. Everyone is welcome to read the policy and make comments on the link provided. This gives the Animal Welfare Committee a chance to review all comments and make changes before this policy is made into a resolution set forth in the House of Delegates this July. The policy and place to make comments are at this link: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/use-random-source-dogs-and-cats-research-testing-and-education

By Deb Nickelson, D.V.M., M.B.A, AAIV Delegate to the AVMA HOD The next meeting of the House of Delegates is right before the AVMA convention on July 9-10, 2026, in Anaheim, California. There will be elections for members of AVMA councils and committees. While some nominations were due May 1, there are still several positions that are open until they are filled. VOLUNTEER If you feel underrepresented by the AVMA or want to make sure you are represented, this is your chance to step up, have a seat at the table and be heard. You have so much expertise and experience to offer. Why do it? Volunteering with the AVMA | American Veterinary Medical Association What is involved? Usually, people serve a three-year team on councils and committees and may seek a second term for three years. Meetings are at AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois once or twice a year and virtually. Any ad hoc work is done remotely. For positions that include both a delegate and alternate delegate, the alternate is included in email and learns from the delegate but may not attend meetings, depending on the group. What positions are available? Check here for the list of what is and will be available. Some require nomination from a group such as AAIV (which we are happy to do), some require a self nomination. Councils, committees, task forces, and trusts | American Veterinary Medical Association I am happy to assist you to figure out which position would be the best fit and help you navigate the application and nomination process. Send a message to me at industryvets@aaivet.org .

By Deb Nickelson, D.V.M., M.B.A, AAIV Delegate to the AVMA HOD The House of Delegates for the AVMA met during the Veterinary Leadership Symposium Jan. 8-10 in Chicago. The weather was surprisingly nice. Since Dr. Tim Smaha could not attend, Dr. Wendy Weirich joined me for the first HOD session and the Reference Committees. Please send any comments or questions to AAIV at industryvets@aaivet.org . As always, thank you for your support. We are here for you. One of the Veterinary Information Forum topics (near and dear to us) was about HOD Membership Criteria. It was obvious how much value people consider the allied organizations as I have never seen our 6 a.m. Allied Caucus Meeting so crowded, standing room only. On the house floor, I spoke about the value of AAIV being a member of the House of Delegates and the challenges with membership. In the end, there will be a working group established to evaluate criteria for new and existing allied organizations (I volunteered to participate) and there will be a grace period for the Allied Organization to meet the existing criteria during the working group’s task. The other Veterinary Information Forum topic was about Veterinary Technician Training and Education. There are 217 AVMA CVTEA accredited programs with six additional programs in the works for accreditation. While some people spoke about the lack of career advancement for veterinary technicians, I reminded the House the veterinary technicians have many opportunities in the animal health industry, that we offer programming about such careers at VMX and veterinary technicians are welcome members of AAIV. Resolutions There were two resolutions brought forward to the House of Delegates for review. Resolution 1: Animal Training and Early Exposure got a lot of interesting discussion and I learned quite a bit about camels. The idea for this resolution was to cover all species in all cases and it was just too broad and did not serve any purpose, so it was referred back to the Board of Directors. Resolution 2: Camelid Castration was approved after some amendments regarding reason for castration and AVMA recommendations for anesthesia and analgesia. I learned even more about camels. By-Law Amendments #1: House of Delegate Votin g This amendment passed to clarify that an absentee vote (when an entity does not vote "yes" or "no") is not counted as a "no" vote; it is not counted at all. #2: Board of Directors Voting This amendment passed to clarify that the one non-voting members of the Board of Directors was the treasurer. #3: Membership Voting This amendment passed to clarify that the majority of voting members present and voting at a meeting shall be the act of the members. #4: Definition of a Veterinarian Changed to “Voting membership may be granted to any individual who has earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M./V.M.D.) degree or substantive equivalent as determined by the Board of Directors or its designee(s) from school or college of veterinary medicine and has met membership qualifications and application requirements.” This passed to accommodate veterinarians from foreign schools. #5: Clarification of Referral Authority This amendment passed to clarify how the House of Delegates may refer matters to the Board of Directors. #6: President duties This amendment passed to clarify what is already being done in that the AVMA president performs the ceremonial activities and functions throughout the annual convention since the HOD meets before the convention starts. #7: Board of Directors Qualifications With a 73% vote, this one was referred back to the Board of Directors because one possible qualification for serving as a District Directors was to have serviced as an officer in a Principal Veterinary Organization or Constituent Allied Veterinary Organization for at least 3 years. Every organization has different ideas of what an officer means, such as president, secretary, Organization Board of Directors etc. and the qualifications needed. Candidates and Elections Dr. Robert Knapp is running for AVMA President-Elect Dr. Elizabeth Boggier is running for AVMA Vice President Dr. Mahmoud Abouraya was appointed to represent Clinical Pharmacology on the Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents Dr. Nicole Dickerson as appointed on the Council on Veterinary Service Unfortunately, no nominations were received for two positions on the Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, one of which was to represent Clinical Pharmacology. AAIV would be happy to nominate a member who is interested in serving. House Advisory Committee There are four positions open on the House Advisory Committee or HAC. The HAC members lead the reference committees, certifies the credentials of candidates for president-elect, vice president and nominees for councils, committees and task forces. Two of the people who currently serve may run for a second term. One of them will do so and I heard the other one will run for a Board of Directors position. I know of one person who campaigned last summer will campaign again. I officially submitted my application and paperwork in December for the election during the AVMA summer meeting. I have the support of Dr. Sandy Willis, our AAIV liaison and AVMA Board of Directors Chair and I certainly appreciate your support.