42 Workplace Safety: Cybersecurity for Veterinarian Practices
Departments
4 CE Calendar 5 Director’s Corner
6 News & Now
7 Member Profile: Joe Fong, DVM
24 Compliance Corner: Cal EPA Requirements for Veterinary Practices
37 Something to Wag About 40 University News
Student News 44 CVMA Remembers
Classifieds
46 Ad Index
Upcoming
18 CVMA Spring Seminar in Yosemite
22 CVMA Equine Medicine Seminar in Yosemite
26 CVMA Pacific Veterinary Conference in Long Beach
43 Online Seminars
New Laws for 2025
January 21, 2025 | 12:30–1:30 PM (1 CEU)
January 23, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM (1 CEU)
For more information, see page 43.
Protecting Your Practice: Mitigating Water Damage
March 11, 2025 | 12:30–1:30 PM
March 13, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM
*This webinar does not offer CE. For more information, see page 43.
CVMA Spring Seminar in Yosemite
April 4–6, 2025 (12 CEUs)
For more information, see page 18.
CVMA Equine Medicine Seminar in Yosemite
April 4–6, 2025 (12 CEUs)
For more information, see page 22.
CVMA Pacific Veterinary Conference in Long Beach
June 27–30, 2025 (28.5 CEUs)
Registration for all CVMA events can be made online by logging onto cvma.net. If you need assistance with your registration, please reach out to the CVMA at staff@cvma.net or 800.655.2862.
PROGRAMS
California Veterinarian (ISSN 00081612) is published bi-monthly by the California Veterinary Medical Association, e-mail: staff@cvma.net. California Veterinarian is an official publication of the California Veterinary Medical Association. Annual subscription rates to non-members: $50 U.S., $60 Canada/Mexico, $70 overseas. Price per single copy: $10 current year, $12 back issues. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to California Veterinarian, 1400 River Park Dr., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815-4505. Phone: 800.655.2862
The Publication of the California Veterinary Medical Association
Publisher Dan Baxter
Managing Editor Taryn DeOilers
Editor Kristen Calderon
Publication Designer Marissa Collier
Classified Advertising Laura Phillips
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
President Dr. Jennifer Hawkins
President-Elect Dr. Peter Bowie
Member-at-Large Dr. Jodi Woods
Members
Dr. Heather Bessoff
Dr. Kelly Byam
Dr. Patrick Connolly
Dr. Eleanor Dunn
Dr. Inez del Pino
Nicole Dickerson, RVT
Dr. Misty Hirschbein
Dr. Diane McClure
Dr. Teresa Morishita
Dr. Shari O'Neill
Dr. Kevin Terra
Dr. Laura Weatherford
Dr. Brent Wooden
Treasurer Dr. Ron Kelpe
Chair, House of Delegates Dr. Georgina Marquez
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES
University of California, Davis Alexis McBride
Western University Samantha Rosander
CVMA STAFF
Executive Director Dan Baxter
Director of Member Services Kristen Calderon
Director of Communications Taryn DeOilers
Director of Conferences and Events Sarah Erck, CMP
Director of Regulatory Affairs Grant Miller, DVM
Director of Finance Thomas F. Palmieri, CPA
For more information, see page 26. Volume 79 Number 01 January–February 2025 Tell us what you think!
Membership and Student Services Manager Laura Phillips
Finance Coordinator Sharmele Browne
Design & Print Manager Marissa Collier
Conference Speaker Coordinator Lily Briggs
Conference Expo Coordinator Erica Ferrier
Accountant Kimberly Wills-Lee
Membership Coordinator Jennifer Smith
Receptionist Mary Young
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Please contact Erica Ferrier at 916.649.0599 ext. 15 or email eferrier@cvma.net.
Want to comment on what the CVMA is doing or writing about? Send an email to comments@cvma.net or call 800.655.2862. Your thoughts and opinions matter to us. The CVMA is YOUR association—let us hear your voice!
With the advent of the new year comes new and exciting member-facing initiatives here at the CVMA! Some of those initiatives—including our forthcoming Early Career DVM Board member and our new Membership Committee—were described in the November/December edition of this column.
This time around, I want to mention a couple of additional items of importance. At its October meetings, the CVMA Board of Governors approved the CVMA’s 2025–2026 Action Plan, a roadmap outlining the Board’s priorities for the next two years. The CVMA’s prior three Action Plans were one-year documents, but because the new plan is so robust, the Board decided to assign it a two-year time horizon so that CVMA staff would have ample time for full assessment and completion.
The Action Plan is available on the CVMA’s website (scan the QR code to the left). I hope you take a moment to review it so that you can be fully apprised of the CVMA’s priority initiatives over the next two years. The items range from outsidefacing undertakings like access to veterinary care, public outreach, and education concerning the profession, to internal (but still important) directives, such as maintaining effective organizational governance, including productive committees and task forces.
One particular item in the Action Plan to which I want to call your attention is found on page 7, under the goal “Promote Local Association Engagement.” The fourth action item under that goal reads: “Create regular CVMA update report for CVMA BOG/HOD use at local meetings.” This action item came out of CVMA leadership’s desire for an easy and digestible way to inform constituents of local VMAs about business conducted at CVMA Board and House meetings as well as general CVMA goings-on.
To facilitate this directive, CVMA staff have decided that the easiest way to get from “A to B” is via a direct email transmission from the CVMA home office to CVMA members. Over the last several years, following each quarterly Board meeting (and each House meeting, held semi-annually and concurrently with the Board meetings), CVMA staff have prepared what is in essence a series of “talking points” that leadership can take back to their constituents. However, after additional discussion at the Board’s October 2024 meeting, we concluded that there is no good reason not to directly report that information to CVMA membership atlarge. Accordingly, beginning with our transmission of November 11, we are now sending out “CVMA Quarterly Report” emails to all members. This direct reporting will hopefully make it easier for CVMA leadership and membership alike to be “reading off the same sheet of music” in discussing CVMA goings-on at the local association—and even individual—levels.
These quarterly reports will come a week or two after each CVMA leadership meeting; since those meetings do not fall on a precise three-month cadence, the issuance of these reports will generally occur in early February, early April, late June/early July, and midto-late October. They will be sent separately from our weekly CVMA Connect e-newsletter, and you have my word that we will keep a close eye on limiting these reports to “news you can use” (or at least “news that you care about”), rather than deluging you with administrative niceties, meeting minutes, or the like. So, please watch for these quarterly reports in your inbox, and if you see something that inspires you to comment, please do so by emailing us at staff@cvma.net.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Dan Baxter Executive Director
JANUARY 31
–FEBRUARY 2, 2025
CVMA Leadership Forum/ Board and House Meetings
MARCH 5–6, 2025
VISC Board/Claims Review Meeting
News Now & CVMA
Cal/OSHA Form 300A Posting Requirement
Cal/OSHA Form 300A is a summary of specific job-related illnesses and injuries that have been reported by businesses in 2024. Businesses must post this form for employee review between February 1, 2025, and April 30, 2025.
MARCH 22, 2025
CVMA Board of Governors Meeting
APRIL 15–17, 2025
Veterinary Medical Board Meeting
JUNE 4, 2025
VISC Board Meeting
Visit dir.ca.gov/dosh/doshreg/apndxb300afinal.pdf to access this form.
Start the Year Off Right with All the Necessary Compliance Products!
The CVMA offers members discounts on required compliance products, including required postings, new hire packets, and the below plaques:
• Abandoned Animal Act Plaque (Veterinary Medical Board [VMB] required)
• Continuous Presence Not Provided Plaque (VMB required)
• Written Prescription Upon Request Plaque (VMB required)
• Financial Interest Disclosure Plaque (required, if applicable)
Visit the Resources tab at cvma.net and click Products to stay compliant in 2025!
CVMA Explores Options for New Wellness and Mental Health Services
As of January 1, the CVMA has discontinued its Member Assistance Program, TELUS Health. We are looking to replace the program with a different wellness resource that will better fit the needs of our members. We would love to hear any feedback and suggestions you might have! Have you utilized a wellness service, app, or other tool that has worked well for you? If so, please reach out to Kristen Calderon, the CVMA's Director of Member Services, at kcalderon@cvma.net.
CVMA Phases out the CVMA Mobile App
Due to upgrades to the CVMA website that have improved user experience, as well as increasing security risks with third-party apps and our focus on new communications efforts, we have decided to retire our mobile app. Thank you to those who have utilized the app over the past seven years! If you have any questions or concerns, please email Taryn DeOilers, Director of Communications, at tdeoilers@cvma.net.
= HYBRID OR VIRTUAL EVENT
Thank You for Completing the CVMA’s Annual Survey!
At the end of last year, the CVMA distributed its annual survey to all members seeking insight on topics like member benefits, continuing education, salaries, and more. We greatly appreciate everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to complete the survey!
I AM THE
Joe Fong, DVM
c Medical Director of Irving Pet Hospital
c UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
c Small Animal Practice
My favorite way to unwind is watching TV. Although I am living the dream of being a veterinarian and hospital owner, I would eventually like to retire and be a TV critic.
My role models are my parents. Being immigrants with a rural background, they were able to move up and own their own meat market in San Francisco and provide a better life for their family. Their sacrifice gave me the opportunity to be a veterinarian. They taught me the work ethic needed to own a practice.
My professional goals are to provide a hospital environment where there is a strong sense of significance and belonging. Without the right people, we cannot do our best for our patients and clients. Eventually, I would like to provide mentorship to the next generation so they can take on the responsibility to make the profession better than it was for me.
My favorite book is anything from Mo Willems’ series, Elephant and Piggie. I read these books to both of my daughters before bed. These were one of the few times in the day when I could give them 100% of me, turn off the static of being a practice owner, and just be in the moment.
A phobia or fear of mine is agoraphobia. I even get nervous on a Ferris wheel and climbing on a roof.
Members are the heart of the CVMA
The best decisions I ever made were marrying my wife and buying a practice.
I am a CVMA member because it is important to be part of an organization that advocates for the profession. We need to be proactive and interactive to keep veterinary medicine fun, exciting, and safe.
Veterinary Medicine in California: Powered by CVMA Members!
CVMA members enjoy a wealth of money and time-saving benefits, but perhaps the most important benefit is the advocacy work the CVMA undertakes on behalf of the veterinary profession at the State Capitol and in front of regulatory boards. Our efforts ensure that the concerns of veterinary professionals are heard.
Take the California Dental Association (CDA) as an example. With membership of 27,000 and 98% of its members contributing to their Political Action Committee, the CDA is a powerful force in shaping policy decisions.
Your Membership Matters!
In California, we face fierce competition for attention from lawmakers, with hundreds of other professional associations advocating for their respective industries. But there’s one key factor that determines whose voice is heard: strength in numbers!
In contrast, the CVMA represents approximately 7,300 veterinary professionals. While we are a passionate community, our ability to influence legislation hinges on our collective strength.
If you are already a CVMA member, thank you! If you are not, we urge you to not leave this important work to your colleagues. Every veterinary professional has a role to play in ensuring our profession is represented and heard.
Join the CVMA today and help us strengthen our collective voice!
A Time-Saving New Member Benefit for Veterinarians!
The CVMA is excited to announce VetRec, an innovative AI scribe designed to streamline your practice. With VetRec, medical records are generated just 30 seconds after your consult! Simply record your consultations using the app, and VetRec's advanced AI will produce patient-ready discharge notes and detailed SOAP-style notes that easily integrate with your PiMS.
Choose from pre-built templates or customize your own. You can even upload a patient's medical history for a quick summary in just 30 seconds! VetRec allows you to spend more quality time with your patients. Plus, CVMA members receive a 30% discount on their subscription and a risk-free two-week trial!
To access the CVMA member discount and free trial, log into your account at cvma.net and click on the Membership tab.
New Laws for 2025
Unlike 2023, which saw the passage of several important laws that had a direct impact on veterinary practice, 2024 was a comparatively “quiet” one for the profession—at least in terms of the laws actually passed. This is due in part to the CVMA’s successful efforts in combatting legislative bills that would have had a detrimental effect on veterinary practice and animal health and welfare. Separately, two bills addressing compounding and xylazine, respectively, did not successfully make it across the governor’s desk. As a result, only two veterinary-specific bills—one of which was sponsored by the CVMA—were passed into law and took effect on January 1, 2025. Those bills, and several other employment-related bills applying to all job sectors, including veterinary medicine, are discussed below.
This CVMA-sponsored legislation creates high-quality, highvolume spay-neuter (HQHVSN) certification programs at California’s two veterinary schools. The programs will be available to students as an elective course and additionally be offered to licensees as continuing education. The programs will teach veterinarians and veterinary students HQHVSN surgical techniques
and will teach registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) surgical preparation, assisting, and recovery skills. The CVMA commends the legislature and governor for their support of this measure and feels that the passage of this bill will serve to make a significant positive impact in fighting California’s pet overpopulation crisis.
The CVMA thanks Senator Scott Wilk for his ongoing work on pet-related issues and for championing this bill. The CVMA also wishes to thank all stakeholders for their support of the bill and the tireless lobbying efforts to get it passed.
This bill adds specific language to existing law that better defines the written protocols to be established by shelter veterinarians for RVTs to follow when managing shelter animals. The protocols include (a) time periods by which an impounded animal must be assessed at intake and monitored while in the custody of the agency; (b) procedures to address the treatment of common medical conditions that are encountered in animals and for controlling infectious and zoonotic diseases, controlling acute pain, and preventing environmental contamination; (c) communication requirements between the RVT and the supervising veterinarian; and (d) euthanasia criteria for medically related cases.
This bill prohibits employers from taking adverse employment action—or threatening to do so—against an employee because of the latter’s refusal to participate in meetings or communications with the employer (or its agents or representatives), the purpose of which is to communicate the employer’s opinion about religious or political matters. The bill also safeguards the right of such an employee to continue to receive payment during the period the meeting or communication takes place, even if the employee declines to participate.
SB 988 (Wiener) Freelance Worker Protection Act.
This bill imposes minimum requirements for contracts between a hiring party and a freelance worker (independent contractor) who is paid at least $250 for professional services. Among other obligations, the bill requires contracts between the hiring party and freelance workers to be in writing, and further requires such workers to be paid contractually specified compensation on or before the date indicated in the contract, or—if the contract does not indicate a date—no later than 30 days after completion of the relevant work performed.
SB 1340 (Smallwood-Cuevas) Discrimination.
This legislation permits cities, counties, and other municipalities to enforce local laws prohibiting employment and housing discrimination, as long as those laws are at least as strict as the protective provisions found in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
AB 1870 (Ortega) Notice to employees: legal services.
This bill adds to the existing requirement for employers to post information on injury reporting and related workers’ compensation-related rights. Employers must now include information concerning injured employees’ right to consult an attorney for advice on workers’ compensation laws, and a note advising that resulting attorneys’ fees will normally be paid out of the injured employee’s recovery.
AB 2123 (Papan) Disability compensation: paid family leave.
Prior California law allowed employers to require an employee to take up to two weeks of earned but unused vacation “before, and as a condition of, the employee’s initial receipt of [paid family leave benefits] during any 12-month period in which the employee is eligible for” those benefits (Legislative Counsel’s Digest). This bill eliminates that exhaustion requirement.
AB 2499 (Schiavo) Employment: unlawful discrimination and paid sick days: victims of violence.
This bill amends the existing Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014. Among other things, the bill expands paid sick leave eligibility and reasonable accommodation requirements to include not only direct victims of defined “qualifying acts of violence” like domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, but also employees whose family members are victims of such acts.
In assessing your rights and responsibilities under these and other new laws, the CVMA advises that you consult with a qualified attorney.
This article is for informational and general educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of legal advice nor should it be considered as a legal interpretation. Although significant effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of publication, the CVMA shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions, or any agency’s interpretation, application, or enforcement of the information presented herein.
CVMA Legislative Action Center
For specific information on bills or to track CVMA-monitored bills through the legislative process, visit the CVMA’s online Legislative Action Center in the Advocacy section of cvma.net.
Foreword: What Is Scope Creep?
By Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, CVMA President
“ Every year, the CVMA Board of Governors discusses proposed legislation and prioritizes which bills the CVMA will direct their efforts to support, oppose, or watch. And every year, scope creep continues to be the #1 issue we face.
What is “scope creep”? In the context of veterinary medicine, it is a shorthand term to describe human health care providers’ efforts to arbitrarily expand their scope of practice to include animals. It also includes attempts by laypersons to practice veterinary medicine without a license and even includes attempts by registered veterinary technicians to expand their practice beyond the current limits of their licensure. The most pervasive incursions into veterinary practice have been made by chiropractors and physical therapists, who propose legislation that would permit them to work on animals without veterinary supervision. Just this last year, a small group of physical therapists attempted—for the fourth time over the last 15 years —to pass legislation (AB 814) to expand their scope of practice to include animals.
The CVMA has consistently been battling this issue, defeating roughly a dozen different scope creep bills over the past decade. Notwithstanding those results, the attempted infringements on the veterinary profession have not slowed down; rather, pursuits at scope creep have only intensified in recent years.
At the CVMA’s 2024 Pacific Veterinary Conference, former CVMA President Dr. Jon Klingborg was awarded the CVMA’s most prestigious award, the Dr. George Bishop Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech before a large audience of attendees, Dr. Klingborg used his time to share a little bit about the inner workings of the CVMA and his concerns for the future of the profession, one of which was scope creep. “Taking the scope of practice from veterinarians has been the primary goal of a self-serving and politically juiced group of physical therapists, which are aided by some veterinarians who want to sell the physical therapy CE courses to you. [...] These folks are going to keep coming back year after year,” Dr. Klingborg warned.
Later that afternoon, I bumped into one of my former classmates who told me she hadn’t been aware that so many pieces of proposed legislation are scope creep bills. Many readers might not be aware, either.
Scope creep legislation is inevitably discussed on a continual basis by CVMA leadership—at our Board of Governors and House of Delegates meetings as well as at our conferences. In fact, we are expecting additional scope creep bills this year. The CVMA will continue to fight against the encroachment of laypersons and other healing arts providers who want to take the practice of veterinary medicine away from veterinarians.”
“The CVMA has consistently been battling this issue, defeating roughly a dozen different scope creep bills over the past decade.”
The Risk of Scope Creep to Animal Welfare
“ The California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act is abundantly clear that the practice of veterinary medicine applies to anyone representing themself as a veterinarian, including diagnosing, prescribing, prognosing, or administering any treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of animals. While the Act leaves avenues for others to perform animal health care tasks under the supervision of a Californialicensed veterinarian, all legally directed roads lead back to requiring a veterinarian to orchestrate the medical care of an animal.
And why is that?
It is because the education, skill, and experience required to safely and competently perform these tasks on California’s animals at a minimum standard expected by consumers can only be obtained through a formal veterinary school education. The veterinary licensing curriculum is standardized, accredited, and measured through national licensure examination. If one attempts to cut any corners in obtaining this education, animals will be subjected to unacceptable risk.
Human health care practitioners often trumpet various certification programs as justification for expanding their practice acts to allow them to practice independently on all animals, despite having ZERO training on animals as part of their standardized
By Dr. Grant Miller, CVMA Director of Regulatory Affairs
licensure curriculum. To be clear, those certifications are not standardized, are rarely accredited, and do not require the demonstration of minimum competency or the maintenance of ongoing approved education. For these reasons and others, the CVMA will always hold scope creep attempts as the highest priority in legislative and regulatory matters because they present significant danger to animals for reasons that veterinarians clearly understand.
While the majority of scope creep attempts have been by physical therapists and chiropractors, it should be noted that the veterinary profession and the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) have not been deaf to requests for collaboration. Current California laws written specifically for chiropractors and physical therapists permit them to practice on animals, provided that they do so under veterinarian supervision. The chiropractic regulation has been on the books for nearly 30 years, while the physical therapist provision was enacted in 2023.
Should a human health care practitioner truly believe that they are competent to practice safely on animals with mere certification, without veterinarian supervision, and without formal licensure training, then they should have no problem with creating reciprocity in the law. Why not let veterinarians who take a certification course on human medical practice?”
“If one attempts to cut any corners in obtaining this education, animals will be subjected to unacceptable risk.”
The Legal Implications of Scope Creep
“In addition to—or perhaps more accurately, related to—the professional and clinical implications associated with scope creep, there are also legal pitfalls to trap both the unwary and the diligent alike.
It goes without saying that clinical care performed or directed by a licensed veterinarian must be performed competently, complying with professional standards. When that care falls short of relevant standards, it exposes the veterinarian to (a) license-related discipline imposed by the CVMB, (b) civil liability and resulting monetary damages pursued by clients on the basis of professional negligence, or (c) both. When professional responsibilities are delegated to another person, whether it be a qualified registered veterinary technician or another healing arts professional like a physical therapist or chiropractor, the veterinary licensee does not simply wash their hands of responsibility. To the contrary, even when a negligent act is not performed directly by the veterinarian, the veterinarian can still be caught in the net of liability resulting from that act. Indeed, it is not uncommon for veterinarians to be held administratively or civilly responsible for the clinical derelictions of another person.
Some scope creep proponents have included in their respective proposals provisions that would ostensibly shield veterinarians from such derivative liability.
By Dan Baxter, CVMA Executive Director
For instance, Assembly Bill 814—a legislative package seeking to authorize physical therapists to treat animals without supervision pursuant to a veterinarian referral—includes language stating that “[t]he veterinarian who issues an order for treatment for APR shall not be liable for any physical rehabilitation provided by the authorized animal PT or the APR assistant.” In its public comments and otherwise, bill sponsor Animal Physical Therapy Coalition invokes this language as a panacea against veterinary liability, claiming that under AB 814’s framework, veterinarians may comfortably issue referrals to physical therapists without fear of legal repercussions associated with care and treatment rendered thereby.
Those reassurances are faulty. In addition to the decidedly murky questions of (1) exactly where one clinician’s responsibility “ends” and another’s “begins” and (2) whether the treatment rendered by (in this example) a physical therapist was within the confines of the referral issued by the veterinarian, there is the more general concern about liability under a “negligent referral” or “negligent delegation” theory. Under this theory, when a veterinarian refers a client/ patient to another clinician, and harm results to the animal because of the latter’s negligent treatment, the referring veterinarian could be found liable for the referral itself; that is, an aggrieved party may argue that even though the veterinarian did not personally conduct the substandard treatment at issue, they were negligent in choosing the clinician that they did for the referral, or in delegating as much as they did under the referral, or in failing to adequately monitor the work being referred, etc.
When faced with these types of claims, veterinarians will not find safe harbor in the exculpatory language contained in proposals such as AB 814. While that language may arguably and in certain circumstances shield veterinarians from
direct liability for the treatment itself, it will do little or nothing to insulate veterinarians from the derivative liability associated with a negligent referral.”
In Closing
By Dr. Jennifer Hawkins
“ The CVMA Board of Governors receives input from members, committees, board members, delegates, legislative advocates, and industry experts when considering positions on proposed legislation. There is a great deal of discussion over multiple meetings to ensure bills are appropriately prioritized and that members only receive emails and action alerts on items that may have a significant impact on our profession.
My classmate who didn’t know about the scope creep issue isn’t alone. Veterinary professionals are all very busy and don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to reading proposed legislation. The CVMA does that for you. But the CVMA can’t be successful without the support of its members. Last year, several CVMA Board members and I called some of you directly to ask that you reach out to your legislators and request they oppose a scope creep bill. Days later, the bill was pulled for the year, thanks in part to those efforts. However, like a bad penny, the same bills keep turning up with only slightly different text. On behalf of the CVMA Board of Governors, I ask that you not scroll past the action alerts and informational newsletters sent to you by the CVMA. Please read the information and, if requested, respond to requests to take action. It is literally the difference between taking ownership in shaping our profession or allowing others to do so for us.”
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES:
An Introduction to the Newest Therapeutic Interventions in Animals
By Dawn Merton Boothe, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, 2025 CVMA Spring Seminar Speaker
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a homogenous preparation of identical antibodies or portions of antibodies (antibody fragments). The most common immunoglobulin used is IgG1 because it is the most abundant, least antigenic, least toxic, and most stable.
The structure of antibodies (including mAbs) is designed to achieve their two primary functions:
1. Binding to a wide variety of antigens is accomplished by the antigen binding fragment (Fab) located in the “arms.” This portion contains the hypervariable complementarydetermining region (CDR).
2. The antibody must also cause an immune response toward the antigen and does this through the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region located in in the tail, which binds to complement.
Many different proteins may serve as the target antigen. The more discrete and specific it is, the safer the mAb. Targets for animal drugs include circulating plasma proteins (e.g., cytokines or interleukins such as lokivetmab [Cytopoint®]), growth factors, such as nerve growth factor (frunevetmab, Solensia®, bedinvetmab, Librela®), cell membrane proteins, such as death receptors (e.g., immune checkpoint: Gilvetmab), and proteins unique to infectious agents (e.g., canine parvovirus mAb). Monoclonal antibodies have improved in both efficacy and safety across time by decreasing host immunogenicity. Veterinary mAb, which end in “-vetmab,” are mostly chimeric
clones that have undergone speciesspecific modifications.
How the Body Handles the Drug and Its Impact on the Dosing Regimen
The body handles mAbs like endogenous IgG, which is much different than small molecule drugs. Neither transport proteins such as p-glycoprotein nor drugmetabolizing enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P45) are involved. The kidney and liver are not sites of elimination, and the gastrointestinal tract is not a site of absorption or elimination. As proteins, mAbs are generally not orally bioavailable and are given parenterally (intravenously [IV] or subcutaneously [SC]) unless the indication is treatment of intestinal disease. When given SC, uptake is via lymphatics and does not involve passive diffusion. Absorption of mAbs after injection is slower than for standard drugs, with maximum absorption occurring at 1.7 to 13.5 days (assume six to eight days). mAbs do not easily enter tissues with tight junctions, such as the normal brain, but this may increase with disease. Elimination of IgG occurs by intracellular metabolism either in cells containing the target antigen or in reticuloendothelial cells. The latter is more efficient but is characterized by a salvage pathway that preserves and recycles antibodies. This prolongs the half-life of mAbs (days to weeks). However, if it gets saturated (doses higher than 10 mg/kg; hypergammaglobulinemia), the mAb’s half-life becomes shorter.
Co-Morbidities, Drug Interactions, and Adverse Events
Because the liver and kidneys are not involved in the disposition of mAbs, diseases of these organs generally do not
change response to mAbs. However, use in animals with co-morbidities should be avoided. Example diseases of concern might be glomerulonephritis, because the mAb may enter the renal tubule, and epilepsy, because the mAb may enter the blood brain barrier. Drug interactions and adverse events typical of chemical drugs are also largely avoided because of the unique way mAbs are handled by the body. In general, mAbs can be used safely in combination with other drugs, with the greatest risk occurring in drugs with additive or synergistic effects, such as immunosuppression.
Adverse reactions can reflect the mechanism of action of mAbs, particularly if their target protein has broad physiologic effects or if the immune system becomes imbalanced (e.g., infections in the skin or urine). More commonly, however, adversity to mAbs reflects their immunogenicity as foreign proteins, which may cause formation of anti-drug antibodies. These can cause premature destruction of the mAb and lead to allergic responses, including lifethreatening anaphylaxis. Because animal mAbs have been approved only for a short time, post-market surveillance information is limited. Yet it is the most informative source of adverse events and the need to report them cannot be overemphasized. An advantage of reporting can be found in the series of cases of cutaneous lesions in cats treated with frunevetmab (Solensia®). Any adverse event presumed to be associated with mAb therapy should be reported to the manufacturer of the product, or the approving agency.
For animal biologics, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) approves
them as drugs or the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) of the Animal Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) licenses them as biological products. The assessment of both safety and efficacy of animal biological products may not be as robust as for drugs. This may lower the cost, leading some manufacturers to pursue USDA licensing.
Extralabel
Drug Use (ELDU)
mAbs approved by the USDA are not protected for ELDU by the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act. Conditionally approved drugs cannot be used extralabel. Routes should not change, and products labeled for one species should not be used in another. Altering storage conditions or expiration dates or saving an opened vial longer than the same day may result in damage to the protein. In such cases, the damaged protein will not interact as well with its antigen, leading to loss of efficacy. The protein will also seem more foreign to the host, increasing the risk of either an allergic response or degradation of the protein.
Approved mAbs
1. Lokievetmab (Cytopoint®; 2.22.3 mg/kg SC every four to eight weeks): Approved by APHIS-CVB. Lokievetmab is a caninized mAb that neutralizes IL-31. It is indicated to reduce clinical signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs. It can be used in conjunction with other antipruritics. Two to three injections may be necessary for response.
2. Parvovirus (mAb; 0.2 ml/kg IV):
Conditionally approved by APHISCVB. No treated dogs succumbed to parvovirus, compared to over 50% of treated dogs.
3. Gilvetmab (4.5 mg/lb IV infusion over 30 minutes every two weeks):
Conditionally approved by APHISCVB. Classified as an immune
checkpoint inhibitor, (PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor). Reasonable expectation of efficacy in reducing the solid tumor burden in dogs with stage I, II, and III mast cell tumors or dogs with stage II and III melanomas.
4. Nerve growth factor inhibitors. FDA approval in the U.S. Two drugs (solution for subcutaneous injection) are approved in the U.S. and multiple other countries for control of pain associated osteoarthritis: frunevetmab (Solensia®) for cats (7 mg SC if less than 7.1 kg and 14 mg if greater SC monthly), and bedinvetmab (Librela®) for dogs (0.1 to 1 mg/kg SC monthly). Response may take several weeks. Side effects during approval were rare despite increasing concerns of neurologic side effects in dogs. Currently no contraindications; adverse events should be reported. Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPOA) and osteonecrosis are very rare phenomena that have been described in humans; use of NSAIDS in high doses and preexisting subchondral fractures are known risk factors. However, this adversity and its impact on either humans or animals (no reports yet) has yet to be understood.
References are available upon request at dawn@vin.com.
The topic of Dr. Boothe's presentations at the CVMA's 2025 Spring Seminar will be pharmacology. Join us on April 4-6, 2025 in person in Yosemite or virtually to attend Dr. Boothe's lectures!
Dr. Dawn Boothe earned her DVM degree from Texas A&M University. After an internship at Auburn University, she returned to complete a master’s in physiology, a residency in small animal internal medicine, and a PhRMA Fellowship and PhD in veterinary clinical pharmacology. She is among the first class of diplomates in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. She later joined Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she directed the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, serving over 4,000 national and international veterinary practices. Dr. Boothe now contributes her knowledge on veterinary clinical pharmacology as a consultant/ editor for the Veterinary Information Network.
Awe-Inspiring Nature and Unforgettable CE in Yosemite
CVMA Spring Seminar
April 4–6, 2025
The CVMA’s ever-popular Spring Seminar in stunning Yosemite is only a few months away! All veterinary staff are invited to earn up to 12 CEUs in pharmacology and dentistry in morning sessions, including up to three hours of CE that satisfy the California requirement on the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs. With afternoons free to explore the Yosemite National Park area, this will truly be a vet-cation to remember!
For the first time ever, the CVMA Spring Seminar will be taking place in April, promising fairer weather and more opportunities for attendees to explore the area.
Speakers
LOCATION
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 1122 Hwy 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
Rooms are available at discounted rates of $199-239, depending on your room selection. Discounted rooms will be available until March 3, 2025, or until the block is sold out.
Pharmacology
| Dawn Boothe, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP
Dr. Dawn Boothe graduated from Texas A&M University (TAMU) with a DVM degree in 1980. After an internship at Auburn University, she returned to TAMU to complete a master’s in physiology, a residency in small animal internal medicine (becoming board certified in 1985), and a PhRMA Fellowship and PhD in Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology (1989). She is among the first class of diplomates in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. In 1990 she joined TAMU in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, later joining the Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences departments at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Here, Dr. Boothe directed the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, serving over 4000 national and international veterinary practices. Dr. Boothe retired from Auburn University in late 2022 and now contributes her knowledge on veterinary clinical pharmacology as a consultant/editor for the Veterinary Information Network.
Dentistry | Curt Coffman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC
Dr. Curt Coffman received his DVM degree from the University of Missouri. He joined Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists in 2001 to complete his training for board certification. He is qualified as a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. Dr. Coffman provides comprehensive dental and oral surgical care for companion animals in Arizona. He also serves as an adjunct assistant clinical professor at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. In 2017, Dr. Coffman received the Arizona Veterinarian of the Year Award by the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions to the veterinary profession.
Full course descriptions available at cvma.net
Unable to join us in person? You may still attend via the Spring Seminar’s live and interactive online format! Secure your attendance now by visiting the Learning tab at cvma.net or calling 800.655.2862.
A Lens into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Veterinary Profession
Allyship and Inclusion in the Veterinary Workplace
By Mia Cary, DVM
In the summer and fall of 2024, I surveyed over 500 veterinary professionals from all corners of veterinary medicine on the topic of allyship, inclusion, and leadership within their workplace. This article focuses on some of the responses to this survey, exploring what allyship and inclusion mean in the veterinary profession, and how leadership can support team members from all backgrounds.
Workplace Allyship
Allyship in its most basic sense is when someone from a non-marginalized or overrepresented group uses their privilege or advantage to advocate for someone from a marginalized, underrepresented, or historically excluded group. Allyship originates from a place of solidarity rather than identity and is always active. When asked in the recent survey to describe an example of personally witnessed workplace allyship, the following are some of the responses:
• Colleagues expressing concern over the deterioration of LGBTQ+ rights over the last few years
• 40% of sponsors and leads of associate resource groups being allies (rather than members of the marginalized, underrepresented, or historically excluded group themselves)
• Participating in their local Pride weekend by hosting a booth and marching in the parade
• Leaders from advantaged
backgrounds actively sponsoring associates who are members of disadvantaged groups to support rising leadership journeys
• Employer recognizing Juneteenth before the holiday became federally recognized
• Speaking up and asking for change when meeting leaders do not create a welcoming environment
• Peers and colleagues holding each other accountable for having more inclusive and accommodating language
• Supervisor allowing team members to discuss disabilities and helping accommodate their needs
• Defending the work of others when they are not present
• Celebrating all culturally significant and requested holidays
Workplace Inclusion
Inclusion refers to behaviors and social norms that ensure people feel welcome. If everyone who comes in contact with the workplace feels that they belong, then the workplace is inclusive. The following are some of the responses to the survey question, “In what way is your workplace inclusive?”:
• Associate resource groups are invited to review employee benefits each year and make suggestions
• Veterinary social workers are on staff and available to speak with team members and clients as needed
• Team members are invited to share their cultural celebrations during daily huddles
• Associates who speak languages other
than English may wear a badge stating those languages
• Intentionally including inclusive and diverse imagery and verbiage
• Ensuring that physical spaces allow for all mobility options
• Utilization of business resource groups to organize and improve the ways team members feel welcomed and included
• Weekly team meetings to review projects while allowing space for anyone to contribute an idea or join a project if interested
• Encouraging team members to pronounce colleagues’ names correctly
Allyship, Inclusion, and Leadership
There are hundreds of ways to define “leadership.” For me, leadership is about removing barriers and teeing up resources. Another favorite definition is that leadership is about improving the lives of others. Regardless of their role, career stage, and workplace setting, every team member can choose to be a leader. The following are a few survey responses to a question of how allyship, inclusion, and leadership are interrelated:
• Leadership includes adapting, flexing, and including people with different talents, backgrounds, perspectives, and ethnicities
• Allyship and inclusion are cultural components that help develop leaders
• With allyship and inclusion, we can develop a more diverse slate of leaders, which in turn can help to promote allyship and inclusion
• Leadership is about moving people towards a common goal. To do this,
leaders must bring out the best in people to unlock their creativity and tap into their unique perspectives
• In order to be their best selves and best contributors, people must feel safe, wanted, and heard. Therefore, allyship, inclusion, and leadership are all interrelated
• It takes intentional leadership and willingness to confront old norms and challenge the status quo to truly achieve an inclusive workplace
• In order to achieve the best, most successful community, all people need to be supported
• Allyship and inclusion do not happen on their own; these behaviors tend to be most apparent in environments where respect is rewarded and honored
• Inclusive leaders foster environments where individuals feel safe to be their authentic selves and actively contribute
• Leaders must be open to learning from diverse perspectives and be willing to take action when they encounter inequities in the workplace
• Leaders model allyship by actively supporting and standing up for the lived experiences of others, thus creating a culture of inclusion
• When leaders focus on allyship and inclusion, they help build trust and teamwork while also encouraging new ideas
Does Your Workplace Have an Inclusivity Problem?
Consider the following workplace inclusivity assessment questions in the context of your current workplace. If you are currently in a career transition, consider the questions as they relate to a previous work environment. Jot down a yes or no for each. If you do not know the answer, assume it to be a no.
1. Is there a publicly posted anti-harassment and nondiscrimination policy?
2. Have all members of the current team been trained in workplace anti-harassment and nondiscrimination policies?
3. Do all staff members know what to do if they hear a statement or see
an action that does not align with workplace policies?
4. Is periodic training offered for all team members, so that it is clear which types of behaviors are acceptable and which are not?
5. Does the workplace celebrate diverse holidays and months of focus?
6. Do the pictures on the walls mirror a diverse society?
7. Do the pictures and images on the website and social media channels mirror a diverse society?
8. Does the workplace have a genderneutral restroom?
9. Are client materials offered in languages other than English?
10. Are team members encouraged to proactively share all languages in which they can communicate?
11. Do client forms contain gender-neutral and inclusive wording (e.g., spouse/ partner instead of husband/wife)?
12. Is including pronouns on name badges and email signatures offered?
13. Is feedback viewed as a gift by all team members?
14. Has the team reviewed and signed their support for PrideVMC’s Gender Identity Bill of Rights, which establishes a basic foundation for eliminating discriminatory practices against transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the veterinary profession?
15. Does staff recruitment occur via a diverse variety of outlets (e.g., Black Chamber of Commerce, Latinx Chamber of Commerce, etc.)?
16. Does the workplace publicly post any symbols of inclusion, such as the Pride flag, which signifies a LGBTQ+ friendly workplace?
17. Is mentoring offered to all team members?
18. Are exit interviews offered to all employees as they leave the workplace?
19. Are stay interviews periodically offered to all team members?
Now count up all of your “no” responses. If you answered no to four or more questions, then your workplace has some work to do!
Next Steps
The next steps are up to you. Perhaps you will share the workplace inclusivity assessment questions with your team or dive deeper into one of the provided resources. Wherever you are on your allyship and inclusivity journey, be sure to celebrate your progress and ask for help when needed!
Resources
Pawsibilities Vet Med
PrideVMC Allyship Resources
Dr. Mia Cary (she/her) is a 1999 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a personal and professional purpose of activating others to thrive, which she achieves through speaking, meeting facilitation, association leadership, coaching, and customized consulting projects. Her professional experience includes executive leadership and education roles at the AVMA, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), Boehringer Ingelheim, and Novartis Animal Health. Dr. Cary currently serves as CEO and Change Agent for Cary Consulting, CEO for the Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC), serves on the board of advisors for Dean Ruby Perry at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, is a Past President of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV), and is a certified QPR Gatekeeper Training Instructor.
blendVET How to Be an Ally Journey for Teams
CVMA Equine Medicine Seminar
April 4–6, 2025
12 CEUs
VVeterinarians, RVTs and CVMA CVAs, and veterinary and RVT students are invited to attend the first-ever CVMA Equine Medicine Seminar on April 4–6! This seminar will be held alongside the CVMA Spring Seminar at the Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, but it is a separate event specially tailored to practicing equine veterinary professionals. The CVMA Equine Medicine Seminar is an in-person event only.
Speakers
Location
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 1122 Hwy 41 Fish Camp, CA 93623
Rooms are available at discounted rates of $199-$239, depending on your room selection. Discounted rooms will be available until March 3, 2025, or until the block is sold out.
Colic and Emergency Care | Julie Dechant, DVM, MS, DACVS, ACVECC
• Updates in Field Assessment and Treatment
• Recurrent Colic
• Management of Hemorrhage
• Management of Penetrating Injuries to the Equine Hoof
Diagnostic Imaging | Anthony Pease, DVM, MS, DACVR
• Respiratory Imaging of the Horse: It Takes Our Breath Away
• Musculoskeletal Radiographs of the Equine Athlete
• Ultrasound Evaluation of the Distal Limbs
• Ultrasound of the Acute Equine Abdomen
Wound Healing | Dean Hendrickson, DVM, MS, DACVS
• Wound Cleaning and Preparation
• Wound Debridement and Evaluation
• Wound Therapy Primary Closure, Delayed Primary Closure, Skin Grafting, and Second Intention Healing (Part 1)
Full course descriptions are available at cvma.net. Register by visiting the Learning tab at cvma.net or calling the CVMA at 800.655.2862.
Unique Insights from a Lab Animal Veterinarian
By James Finlay, DVM, PhD, DACLAM
The only occupation I ever remember wanting to do as I grew up other than a veterinarian was dolphin trainer. After I got a few more years under my belt, I realized that swimming with porpoises might not be the career for me, and instead I went to my “backup” career plan of veterinary medicine.
While attending Brigham Young University as an undergraduate student, I was fully committed to following the path to a DVM degree. However, during this time I began working in an evolutionary biology lab studying the phylogenetics of crayfish and became enamored with research. Even so, I applied to veterinary school and attended Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine with the intention of working in small animal private practice following graduation. After my first year of the program, the “research bug” returned and I participated in avian viral disease research each summer until graduation.
It was during this time at MSU that I learned more about the specialty of Laboratory Animal Medicine. It appeared to me to be the perfect mixture of clinical medicine and research.
Somewhat to the chagrin of my family and friends who were anticipating getting free veterinary care for the rest of their lives, I was accepted into a combined Lab Animal Medicine residency and PhD program jointly operated by the City of Hope Beckman Research Institute and the University of Southern California. This program prepared me well for the future roles that I would have in the field as well as for board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. It has certainly been an extended educational road that I traveled to get to this point, and there is no way it would have been possible without the support of my family.
I often get quizzical looks from people when they find out that a veterinarian works at a world-renowned (human) cancer and diabetes hospital and research institute. However, after a brief (or long!) discussion, they better understand the critical role the veterinarian plays in ensuring animal welfare and supporting research aimed
at saving human and animal lives. A few of the aspects about my job that I like most are getting to work with some of the most brilliant minds in science and supporting research striving to solve the biggest problems in the world.
In addition to working with amazing people, I also get to work with amazing animals. These animals include unique transgenic rodents, curious swine, slimy amphibians, and mysterious sharks. The more we learn about them, the more we see that these animals have a lot to teach us.
From time to time, I think back upon the oath I took as a veterinarian at my graduation. In part, that oath states that I will “use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.” I have found fulfillment of this oath in the specialty of laboratory animal medicine, and I think my family and friends would agree, even if they don’t get free veterinary care!
“I often get quizzical looks from people when they find out that a veterinarian works at a worldrenowned (human) cancer and diabetes hospital and research institute. However, after a brief (or long!) discussion, they better understand the critical role the veterinarian plays in ensuring animal welfare and supporting research aimed at saving human and animal lives. ”
Cal EPA Requirements for Veterinary Practices
By Grant Miller, DVM, CVMA Director of Regulatory Affairs
The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA) is one of several government agencies that has legal authority over the veterinary profession. Cal EPA is responsible for protecting, enhancing, and restoring the environment and protecting human health. Among its many branches, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) oversees hazardous waste regulations. Because veterinary practices generate hazardous waste, the law requires practices to conform to standards regarding hazardous waste storage and disposal, and to register with Cal EPA as hazardous waste producers, report to the agency annually, and post a warning to the public regarding certain chemicals present in the practice.
What Is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, or contained gases. In classifying hazardous waste, the DTSC applies four criteria: whether the material is ignitable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Examples of hazardous waste in a veterinary practice include anesthetic gases, batteries, certain chemotherapeutics, copper, selenium or zinc boluses for livestock, epinephrine, ether, ethylene oxide, fluorescent light bulbs, formalin, lead, mercury, old “tube” televisions or computer monitors, radiographs or radiographic fix containing rare earth metals (e.g.: silver), reserpine, and strong acids or bases. It is important to note that from a legal standpoint, such items do not become “waste” until they are discarded.
Registering with Cal EPA
California regulations require veterinary practices, as generators of hazardous waste, to register with the DTSC by obtaining a
Hazardous Waste Identification Number.
DTSC Form 1358 is used to apply for the free identification number. More information about registering and access to the online form can be found by scanning the QR code.
of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Section 66262.40.
Annual ID Number Verification Questionnaire
Cal EPA registrants are required to verify their information with the DTSC annually per Health and Safety Code section 25205.16(b) to ensure that the information linked to the ID number is current. The questionnaire is only available online through the Electronic Verification Questionnaire (eVQ) system. To create a profile in the eVQ system, visit dtsc.ca.gov/permanent-state-epa-idnumbers. Note that even if a veterinary practice does not produce any hazardous waste in a given year, it still must annually verify contact information and confirm the types of hazardous materials present in the practice.
Disposing of Hazardous Waste
Cal EPA Inspections
The DTSC may inspect veterinary practices for potential violations to hazardous substance laws. The inspection authority is granted to the DTSC under CCR Title 22, Section 66272.10. Inspections can range from simple “fix-it” orders to monetary fines to—in extreme cases—criminal prosecution and/or immediate business closure. It is recommended that if your business is cited by the DTSC you immediately obtain legal counsel to represent you.
Consumer Products Exposure Warning
Hazardous waste generated in veterinary practices must be transported and disposed of through registered EPA approved Hazardous Waste Transporters. A list of Cal EPA approved hazardous waste haulers can be found through the QR code.
A manifest of disposed waste will be provided by the hazardous waste hauler. Practices are required to send DTSC a copy of the waste manifest within 30 days of shipping the waste. The mailing address is:
DTSC Generator Manifests
P. O. Box 400 Sacramento, CA 95812-0400
Veterinary practices are required to retain copies of hazardous waste manifests for three years pursuant to California Code
The Cal EPA Office on Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) requires that a warning be provided in any business where chemicals are present that are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Veterinary practices commonly utilize chemicals that would meet these criteria and therefore must provide the Consumer Products Exposure Warning (also termed the “Proposition 65 Warning”). The notice can either be provided through product labeling or through signage posted in a prominent location in the business. The legal requirements for the notice can be found in CCR Title 27, Section 25603.1.
For more information about Cal EPA requirements, visit cvma-watchdog.net to access resources in the Regulatory Compliance Section, or visit the Cal EPA regulatory assistance website at dtsc.ca.gov/rao/
Prop 65 Warning Plaques can be purchased from the CVMA website by clicking on Products under the Resources tab at cvma.net.
Ring in the New Year with a CVMA Guide to Cal/OSHA Compliance Subscription!
SPECIAL OFFER!
New subscribers save $56 off the regular subscription purchases made between January 15 and March 15, 2025.
Start 2025 off on the right foot by prioritizing safety and compliance and purchasing or renewing your CVMA Guide to Cal/OSHA Compliance subscription.
The CVMA Guide to Cal/OSHA Compliance is available only to CVMA members and is specially tailored to the needs of veterinary practices in California. The guide offers a customized written safety and health plan for your practice, helpful forms and checklists, training resources, and more to help practices meet mandated requirements. Your annual subscription includes yearly reminders, important quarterly notifications and updates, 24/7 online access to the guide, and regulatory and tech support.
To order your CVMA Guide to Cal/OSHA Compliance or to renew your subscription, visit cvma.watchdog.net/regulatory-guide, email staff@cvma.net, or contact the CVMA at 800.655.2862.
If you are currently subscribed, be sure to renew your yearly subscription to retain access to the guide, which includes storage of your recorded plan.
This CVMA member benefit is made possible by a grant from
The CVMA Guide to Cal/OSHA Compliance checks off all the boxes: clear, comprehensive, and crucial!
CLEAR
The guide is an interactive, step-by-step process that creates a written plan customized for your veterinary practice and guidance on implementing your Cal/OSHA program.
COMPREHENSIVE
The guide includes everything you need to maintain Cal/OSHA compliance all in one place, including:
• A customized written safety and health plan with policy statements
• Training information for designated safety coordinator(s)
• Workplace inspection checklists and report forms
• Required posting information
• Employee training resources
• Recordkeeping assistance
• COVID-19 Protection Program
• NEW! Workplace Violence Prevention Program
CRUCIAL
Cal/OSHA requires a current written plan and active ongoing health and safety program in every workplace. A Cal/OSHA inspector WILL ask to see your plan—don’t leave yourself vulnerable to significant fines!
Discover Long Beach
With a stunning waterfront, eclectic shopping district, and diverse dining options, Long Beach offers a vibrant mix of coastal charm and metropolitan flair. Whether you decide to spend your free time lounging on the beach, exploring the historic Queen Mary, or strolling through the bustling downtown area, there is something for every attendee to enjoy!
Top 10 Things to Do in Long Beach
1. Tour the Aquarium of the Pacific
Meet marine life from the Pacific Ocean through interactive exhibits and live displays.
6. Explore the Long Beach Museum of Art
View contemporary and modern art while soaking in views of the ocean.
2. Board the Queen Mary
Explore this historic ocean liner-turned hotel and museum, known for its rich history and alleged hauntings.
7. Discover Naples Island
Kayak or paddleboard through the charming canals or take a gondola ride for a romantic touch!
3. Stroll Through Shoreline Village Shop, dine, and enjoy waterfront views in this colorful harbor-side village.
4. Unwind at Alamitos Beach
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll along this picturesque shoreline.
8. Bike or Walk the Shoreline Bike Path
This scenic path stretches for miles along the coast, allowing the perfect opportunity for exercise and exploration.
9. Visit Rancho Los Cerritos
Step back in time at this historic adobe ranch house with beautiful gardens and a rich history.
5. Take a Harbor Cruise
Experience the beauty of Long Beach's harbor and skyline on a guided boat tour.
10. Ride the Catalina Express
Take a ferry to Catalina Island for a day trip filled with adventure and scenic beauty.
PacVet Your Way
In-Person Attendance
In-person registration includes:
• Up to 28.5 CEUs across all PacVet tracks
• Admission into the Vet Expo
• Continental breakfast all four days
PacVet 2025 offers both in-person and virtual attendance, allowing you to experience PacVet how you most prefer!
• Complimentary lunches in the Vet Expo (Friday and Saturday)
• Complimentary refreshment breaks
• Admission into the Vet Expo Mixer
In-Person-Only Tracks
Avian/Exotics
• Laila Proenca, MV, MSc, PhD, DVM, DACZM
• Thomas Boyer, DVM, DABVP (Reptiles and Amphibian Practice)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Wellness
• Niccole Bruno, DVM
• Rob Best, CVPM, CFN
One Health
• Speakers to be announced soon
Practice Management
• Rob Best, CVPM, CFN
• Kelly Cooper, DVM
• Rhonda Bell, CVPM, PCM, CDMP Practice Owners
• Michele Drake, DVM
• David George Hall
• John Chalk Jr., JD, CPA, CFP
• Christopher Onstott
Shelter Medicine
• Speakers to be announced soon
Small Animal Surgery
• Raymond Kudej, DVM, PhD, DACVS
• Brian Petrovsky, DVM, DACVS-SA
• Janny Evenhuis, DVM, DAVDC
• Conference bag and goodies
• Access to speaker lecture notes
• Labs, workshops, and symposia*
• Access to special events and networking opportunities
• Rabies titer testing*
• Raffle prizes
• And so much more!
USDA-NVAP: APHIS-Approved Supplemental Training (AAST) Speakers to be announced
• Module 1—Introduction to the National Veterinary Accreditation Program
• Module 9—Interstate and International Health Certificates for Category 1 Animals
• Module 13—Aquatic Animal Health Regulation and Health Certificate
• Module 14—Evaluation of Aquatic Animals for Detection of Reportable Diseases and Pathogens
• Module 18—Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease
• Module 19—Animal Health Emergency Response
• Module 22—Animal Welfare: An Introduction±
• Module 23—Use of Antibiotics in Animals
• Module 25—Using Behavior to Assess Animal Welfare
• Module 29—Veterinary Feed Directive
• Module 34—Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS)
Lectures, Labs, Symposia, and Workshops
• Lunch Symposia sponsored by Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC)
• Lunch Symposia sponsored by ClearRode Financial Group
• Ultrasound Lectures and Labs*—to be announced soon
Scheduled speakers as of January 3, 2025. Additional speakers are being added. Speakers are subject to change.
*Extra charge
±This course satisfies the one hour of California CE requirement on the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs.
Virtual Attendance
Virtual registration includes:
• Up to 28.5 CEUs across three live and interactive virtual tracks
• Access to speaker lecture notes
• Live interaction with speakers during Q&A
• Connection with other attendees via the PacVet mobile app
• Raffle prizes
In-Person and Virtual Tracks
Conference Welcome by CVMA President Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, CVMA Awards Recognition Ceremony, and Induction of the 2025–2026 CVMA Board of Governors
Keynote: Beyond Instinct: How the Science and Ethics of Animal Sentience Can Make Us Better Practitioners by Gary Weitzman, DVM, MPH, CAWA
Small Animal Medicine
• Terence Krentz, DVM, DACVECC
• Ken Pawlowski, DVM
• More speakers to be announced soon!
Technician
• Mary Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry)
• Kristen Cooley BA, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), VCC
• Walter L. Brown, Jr. RVTg VTS (ECC)
• Kenichiro Yagi MS, RVT, VTS (ECC), (SAIM)
Scheduled speakers as of January 3, 2025. Additional speakers are being added. Speakers are subject to change.
*Extra charge
±This course satisfies the one hour of California CE requirement on the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs.
Keynote Presentation
Gary Weitzman, DVM, MPH, CAWA
Beyond Instinct: How the Science and Ethics of Animal Sentience Can Make Us Better Practitioners
NOTE: We are not offering an Equine track at this year’s Pacific Veterinary Conference. The CVMA’s Equine Medicine Seminar will offer equine-specific CE in Yosemite on April 4–6, 2025.
Visit cvma.net for information and to register for the Equine Medicine Seminar.
This keynote presentation explores the transformative concept of animal sentience— the capacity of animals to feel, perceive, and experience the world subjectively—and its critical implications for veterinary medicine. Grounded in scientific research, it highlights the emotional and cognitive capabilities of diverse animal species, redefining how veterinarians approach care. This session continues by examining the ethical responsibilities of recognizing animals as sentient beings, the newly applied concept of “personhood,” and practical applications like pain perception, stress management, and behavioral indicators of emotional states. Attendees will hear how integrating the principles of sentience can elevate veterinary practice, foster stronger client communication, and deepen the human-animal bond. Through compelling case studies, realworld examples, and evidence-based insights, this presentation challenges veterinarians to adopt a compassionate and informed approach to practice. It emphasizes the importance of making decisions that honor the inner lives of animals while encouraging veterinarians to embrace their leadership role as champions for recognizing and respecting those lives.
2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors
Thank you to our premier conference sponsors!
DIAMOND
EMERALD
TOPAZ
Vet Expo 2025 Early Registered Exhibitors as of January 2, 2024
Our exhibitors are valued industry partners who generously support PacVet and the CVMA. Their participation helps keep conference costs down so we can pass those savings on to attendees. Be sure to visit their booths at the Vet Expo and check out their websites on PacVet.net!
A&E Medical Systems
Advanced Monitors Corporation
AKC Reunite
American Regent Animal Health
Antech
Avid Identification Systems Inc.
Banfield Pet Hospital
BCP Veterinary Pharmacy
Bionote
Boehringer Ingelheim
CAMP LA
Cardiac Vet, Inc.
CareCredit
Cat and Dog Modern
ClearRode Financial Group
Curo Pet Care
Doctor Multimedia
Dragon Veterinary
Edge Life Technologies, LLC
Elanco Animal Health
Epicur Pharma / Stokes Pharmacy
Esaote North America
GeniusVets
Golden Pet Rx
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Honor Pet
HRtoGO
IDEXX
IDEXX Veterinary Software
IndeVets
Jorgensen Laboratories
KARL STORZ Veterinary Endoscopy
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Medi Lazer
Medical Pet Shirts International
mediloupes
Merck Animal Health
Mg Biologics
MiDOG Animal Diagnostics
Mixlab Pharmacy
Mobile Animal CT
Multi Radiance Laser Therapy & WellVu Thermal Imaging
Nationwide
NectarVet
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc.
Omni Practice Group
Only Cremations and Aquamation for Pets
Pacific Professionals, Inc.
Panacea Financial
PetVet Care Centers
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
Radiocat
ROSE MICRO SOLUTIONS
Schultz Technology
Scratch Financial
Sedecal USA Inc.
Solutions by Design
Soniquence
Talkatoo
Tempus Recruitment
Total Practice Solutions Group
Universal Imaging, inc.
Varisco Design Build Group
VDI Laboratory
Veterinary Emergency Group
Vetcor
Veterinary Insurance Services
Company (VISC)
VetMatrix
VetMed Solutions
Vets Choice Radiology
WEAVE
West Coast Pet Memorial
Zoetis
Zomedica
Conference Hotel
The Pacific Veterinary Conference will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Long Beach.
Venue
Long Beach Convention Center
100 South Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
Host Hotel
The Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562.491.1234
Discounted* Room Rate
$255 per night plus tax until June 4, 2025.
*Discounted rate available until the deadline or until the block fills up —whichever comes first.
Online Reservations
Visit PacVet.net to make your hotel accommodations or scan the QR code.
Airports
• Long Beach Airport lgb.org
• Los Angeles International Airport flylax.com
• John Wayne Airport Orange County ocair.com
Rental Cars
Visit PacVet.net for CVMA member car rental discounts for:
• AVIS
• Budget
Insights into CBCs, Patient Care, and Professional Growth
By Walter L. Brown RVTg, VTS (ECC), 2025 Pacific Veterinary Conference Speaker
Veterinary medicine is a profession of both science and art, requiring technical expertise, clinical reasoning, and an understanding of the human dynamics that shape our work. At this year’s Pacific Veterinary Conference (PacVet), I am privileged to present a series of lectures designed to enhance knowledge, refine skills, and spark meaningful change in our practices. Each session addresses core aspects of veterinary medicine, from diagnostic interpretation and patient care to team dynamics and personal development. This article outlines what attendees can expect from my upcoming presentations in the Technician track, providing a glimpse into the topics that will be explored in more depth.
"What’s to See in a CBC": A Three-Part Series
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most frequently utilized diagnostic tools in veterinary practice, providing a wealth of information about a patient’s overall health. However, interpreting CBC results can be challenging, as it requires a thorough understanding of the nuanced data supplied by the arthrogram, leukogram, and thermogram. This three-part series aims to demystify the CBC, offering practical guidance for veterinarians at all experience levels.
Part 1: The Leukogram
The first session focuses on white blood cells (WBCs) and their role in diagnosing and managing various conditions. We will explore the components of the leukogram, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, and discuss their functions in both standard and pathological states. Case studies will illustrate how patterns like left shifts, toxic changes, or lymphopenia can guide clinical decision-making. Attendees will better understand how to distinguish between inflammatory, infectious, and stressrelated modifications, as well as when to consider more advanced diagnostics.
Part 2: The Erythrogram
The second session delves into red blood cells (RBCs), focusing on their role in oxygen transport and systemic health. Participants will learn to interpret RBC indices, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). These parameters and hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HGB) values offer critical insights into anemia, polycythemia, and other conditions. Through a systematic approach, we will differentiate between regenerative and non-regenerative anemias, interpret morphological changes like spherocytosis, and explore the implications of these findings for diagnosis and treatment.
Part 3: The Thrombogram
In the final session of this series, we will focus on platelets and their significance in coagulation and systemic health. Topics will include interpreting platelet counts, understanding mean platelet volume (MPV), and recognizing artifacts like platelet clumping. Case discussions will highlight conditions like thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis and their associated clinical signs. By the end of this series, participants
will be equipped with a systematic approach to CBC interpretation, enabling them to integrate these findings into comprehensive patient assessments.
"Why Don’t You Feel Safe at Work?"
Veterinary medicine is a challenging profession in which emotional and psychological safety often go unaddressed. This one-hour leadership lecture will explore the concept of psychological safety, its importance in the veterinary workplace, and the steps individuals and teams can take to foster a safe and supportive environment.
The session will begin by defining psychological safety, emphasizing its role in promoting trust, collaboration, and resilience within veterinary teams. We will then discuss common barriers to psychological safety, such as hierarchical dynamics, communication gaps, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health. Attendees will gain insights into recognizing the signs of psychological distress and understanding its impact on team performance and patient care.
The lecture will conclude with actionable strategies for cultivating psychological safety at the individual and organizational levels. From fostering open communication to implementing supportive policies, these steps can help create an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered.
"The Chemical Response"
The chemicals that drive our physiological responses to life’s challenges and rewards profoundly influence our emotions and behaviors. This one-hour lecture will explore the roles of selfish and selfless chemicals in shaping our interactions, decision-making, and overall well-being.
We will examine critical chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and
cortisol, discussing their functions and how they influence our responses to stress, connection, and achievement. Through a combination of science and practical examples, attendees will learn how to recognize these responses in themselves and others and harness this understanding to foster positive interactions and collaborative environments. This session promises to offer valuable insights into the biological underpinnings of our professional and personal lives.
"Utilizing Today’s Veterinary Technicians"
Veterinary technicians are the backbone of the veterinary profession, yet their roles often need to be better utilized or more fully understood. This one-hour lecture will address the current state of the veterinary technician profession and explore strategies for maximizing their contributions to patient care and practice efficiency.
We will discuss the challenges veterinary technicians face, including job
satisfaction, career advancement, and burnout. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the unique skills and expertise that technicians bring to the table and learn how to integrate these talents into their practices better. By enhancing the utilization of veterinary technicians, practices can improve patient outcomes and foster a more supportive and rewarding work environment for these essential professionals.
Conclusion
PacVet is an incredible learning, collaboration, and growth opportunity within the veterinary community. Whether you seek to enhance your diagnostic skills, improve patient care, or explore the dynamics of workplace safety and team utilization dynamics, these lectures are designed to provide practical, evidence-based insights that you can apply immediately in your practice. I look forward to sharing these sessions with you and engaging in meaningful discussions that will inspire and empower us all as veterinary professionals.
Hope for Cats with FIP
The topic of Walter Brown’s presentations at the 2025 Pacific Veterinary Conference will be medicine and leadership. Attend his sessions in the Technician track in-person in Long Beach or virtually on June 29, 2025.
Walter Brown is an emergency and critical care specialty veterinary technologist who combines his background in veterinary medicine with comedy to bring education and relief to veterinary professionals worldwide.
Three Steps to Handle Market Volatility as You Approach Retirement
By Michael Rodegerdts, CRPC, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
No one likes to watch their investments lose money, but downward market volatility can feel particularly scary for people who plan to retire in the near future. Their anxiety is understandable. They’ve spent their careers building their nest eggs and now—at a time when they plan to give up their income-producing jobs—they face the prospect of living off less money than they had envisioned.
Fortunately in this case, it’s rarely that simple. As with all things financial, it’s important to look at the big picture. If you’re nearing retirement and worried about market volatility, keep these factors in mind:
Concentrate on your financial goals
No one can say with certainty what will happen to stocks over the next week, month, year, or decade. But what may be more certain is your financial goals for
those timeframes. Ensure your portfolio is designed to help you achieve your key priorities, rather than to hit a specific market outcome. Remember that timing the markets is rarely successful because there are so many factors influencing how stocks move.
Keep your emotions in check
You may find that your ability to handle market swings varies over time, particularly if you’ve experienced volatility in the past. Big market moves or dips may be a good time to step back and evaluate your portfolio according to when you anticipate needing to generate income from your investments:
Market corrections, dips, and swings are inevitable for investors in the short term, so it’s important to look beyond the daily hype and headlines. Instead, watch for broad, persistent trends that could provide opportunities or challenges for your overall financial situation. As you ponder adjustments to your portfolio, remember that while you can’t control the market, you can control your reaction to it.
Reassess your portfolio according to your retirement date and risk tolerance
Two items that you have more control over are your risk tolerance and retirement date. Keep in mind that each person has an individual comfort level with taking risks.
• If you have a decade or more before retirement, prioritize building your investments using a diversified asset mix. Investing regularly in the market could help volatility work to your benefit, as you have more time to ride out short-term turbulence and overcome potential losses. As you refine your retirement plans, calculate how much money you need to live the lifestyle you want, while also preparing for unexpected expenses, such as healthcare. Knowing how much you need to retire can help you stay confident in your financial strategy amid market uncertainty.
• If you are within a few years of retirement, you are likely more sensitive
to short-term market fluctuations. Accordingly, you may consider gradually adjusting your portfolio to reduce your level of risk. If you wait until retirement to adjust your investment mix, you could be surprised by untimely market volatility or a downturn. If this happens, it could leave you with less money in retirement compared to your plans, forcing you to modify your goals or lifestyle. If the market is experiencing a correction, you may want to wait for it to rebound (as it historically has) before making adjustments. Making changes immediately amid volatility could lock in possible losses.
• If you are already retired, be patient and maintain your diversified investment strategy. If the potential for a downturn or increased volatility makes you nervous, consider reallocating your portfolio. Keep in mind that even in retirement it may make sense to have part of your investment mix focused on growth. Today’s longer life expectancies mean that you need to be prepared
for the likelihood that living costs, particularly healthcare, will be higher in the later decades of your retirement.
If you have concerns about the effect of market volatility on your investments, you are not alone. If you want additional support, consider consulting a financial advisor who can review the details of your unique financial situation. Together you can determine if your portfolio is on track to reach your goals.
Michael Rodegerdts, CRPC, is a Financial Advisor with ClearRode Financial Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Woodland, California. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 22 years. To contact him, visit ameripriseadvisors.com/team/clearrodefinancial-group, call 530.666.6337, or email michael.e.rodegerdts@ampf.com.
CVMA member practices may join the CVMA's Group 401(k) Retirement Program, a Multiple Employer Aggregate Program (MEAP) administered by Ameriprise/ClearRode Financial Group. For more information, visit the Membership tab at cvma.net and click on Business under Member Benefits.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
Each year, the CVMA honors people, animals, and/or organizations who embody the human-animal bond in California. In 2024, the CVMA inducted Aloha into the Animal Hall of Fame, which celebrates the companion and working animals of California who— through unselfish and courageous accomplishments—exemplify the affection, loyalty, security, and value of the humananimal bond.
Aloha is a 12-year-old Goldendoodle who serves as a comfort dog for the Yolo County District Attorney’s (DA) Victim Services Program. During her time as a comfort dog, Aloha has supported countless crime victims, many of whom were children, as they traverse the criminal justice system. She often sits in on the initial meeting between the victim and the DA or investigator, when the facts of the case are discussed.
“That can be very scary, especially when it’s a case of domestic violence,” said Laura Valdes, Aloha’s owner and the Director of the Yolo County District Attorney Victim Services Program. “[The victim] has to divulge this very intimate situation to complete strangers. Aloha will sit through the meeting and provide comfort.”
Laura started training and bringing Aloha to the DA’s office the day after she was adopted, when she was only eight weeks old. Since then, Aloha has been specially trained to recognize signs of stress in people and to alleviate their anxiety. For example, if someone starts picking at their cuticles, Aloha will gently break up their hands with her nose. Similarly, if someone begins bouncing their legs up and down or fidgeting out of anxiety, she will lay her head on their lap to help calm them down.
Aloha has also been trained to attend court with the victim and sit underneath the stand as they testify, giving them the courage and strength to speak—sometimes in the presence of their abuser. “She provides a comfort to victims of crime that we human beings cannot,” Laura said. “We are very judgmental of each other; Aloha has no judgment about anybody. She’s very accepting and very loving.”
Aloha has positively influenced myriad crime victims, but there is one particularly impactful case that Aloha substantively helped bring to justice, in which an older woman with a mental disability was sexually abused by a bus driver. Because of her disability and feelings of shame, the victim was unable to fully communicate to her family and the police what exactly had happened to her. Without concrete testimony, the DA was struggling to pull together enough evidence to bring the bus driver’s crimes to trial. As a last resort, they decided to bring Aloha into the room with the victim. She instantly fell in love with Aloha, and after only a few meetings, she felt comfortable enough to talk directly to Aloha and tell her what the bus driver did to her. With Aloha by her side, she was also able to go to court and testify, and the bus driver was convicted and sentenced to years in prison.
“That’s a case that I really do feel, if it weren’t for Aloha, this victim would have never spoken because she was so ashamed,” Laura said. “But because she knew Aloha had no judgment, she was comfortable sharing what happened to her.”
Laura is grateful that Aloha was honored with induction into the Animal Hall of Fame, especially as Aloha is nearing retirement from her services to the Victim Services Program. She encourages everyone to learn from Aloha’s story by incorporating some “Aloha time” into their lives with their own pets. “Aloha time is loving your pet and appreciating what they are able to give you. Your pet takes your energy to calm you down and to make you realize that the present is what’s most important. And you, in turn, take some of their energy and love with you.”
Dr. Michael Karle (right) presents Laura Valdez and Aloha the Animal Hall of Fame Award at the 2024 Pacific Veterinary Conference.
Something to Wag About
THE CVMA CONGRATULATES…
Dr. Francisco (Paco) Uzal, for receiving the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) Zoetis Veterinary Research Award in recognition of his outstanding research achievements in clostridial diseases and animal models of clostridial infections. Dr. Uzal is a professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology and branch chief of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory at San Bernadino. He has dedicated approximately 30 years to researching clostridia, common bacteria in the gut, including C. difficile, which contributes to over 30,000 human deaths per year and imperils animals. Congratulations, Dr. Uzal, for this well-earned honor!
Dr. Karen Vernau, for earning the Faculty Clinical Excellence Award by the UC Davis SVM! This award honors professorial or staff veterinarians at the UC Davis veterinary hospital who demonstrate exceptional, sustained, and significant achievements in patient care, clinical instruction, and advancing clinical veterinary medicine. Dr. Vernau provides advanced neurologic and neurosurgical care to high volumes of patients at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), including 24/7 emergency care. Outside of this busy schedule, Dr. Vernau has developed the Feline Pediatric Service at the VMTH, a specialty area of feline neonatology, gained recognition for her research on feline pediatric health issues, and become a beloved professor and mentor to students. Dr. Vernau, we are overjoyed at your success!
Kristen Calderon, the CVMA’s very own Director of Member Services, for buying a new house! Kristen’s new home was built in 1954 and is going through a total remodel, some of which she will be taking on herself. Despite being on the outskirts of Sacramento, the neighborhood has a country feel and is commonly visited by deer, foxes, opossums, and raccoons. This is the first house Kristen purchased on her own. Kristen, the CVMA is proud of you for achieving this amazing milestone!
LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS!
Start the year off right and give yourself a pat on the back! The CVMA likes to spotlight the many accomplishments of our members and their practices, whether a professional development or a personal milestone. Don’t be shy! Please send in your good news and a photo to Taryn DeOilers, the CVMA’s Director of Communications, at tdeoilers@cvma.net to be considered.
PHOTO BY MIKE BANNASCH
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Livestock Update
By Nicki Humphrey, DVM, California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch
U.S. dairy producers continue to battle Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) virus in dairy herds. On March 25, 2024, HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in dairy cattle in Texas following reports of decreased milk yields across multiple dairy premises. Since initial confirmation, there have been a total of 695 confirmed affected dairy premises across 15 states, as of December 2, 2024.
California had its first confirmed detections on three dairy farms on August 30, 2024 in the Central Valley. As of December 2, 2024, there were 475 confirmed affected dairy premises across nine counties in California. During the week of November 25, 2024, Santa Clara County Public Health officials found HPAI H5N1 in retail samples of raw milk and results were verified by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. These findings prompted a recall of the raw milk products, quarantine of the raw milk dairies producing the products and diverting the raw milk for pasteurization to protect public health. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Health Branch (AHB) continues to respond by quarantining all affected farms and implementing our response and surveillance plan with requirements to address enhancing biosecurity and providing conditions for animal, personnel, and equipment/ vehicle movements on and off affected farms. Vendors of affected dairies are also being asked to enhance biosecurity on and off affected premises and to make the affected premises the last stop on their routes. During the month of November, the CDFA transitioned to conducting surveillance through weekly creamery sample collections and expanded surveillance statewide.
As the virus continues to spread through dairies, it has also been introduced into California’s poultry industry with the first detection in commercial poultry on September 18, 2024. As of December 3, 2024, California has had 21 commercial poultry premises and two backyard poultry premises confirmed infected with the same HPAI H5N1 virus as dairies. In addition, California has identified a new variant of the wild bird H5N1 virus in three commercial poultry premises and two backyard poultry premises. Producers are encouraged to use enhanced biosecurity when caring for different species of livestock on the same farm and it is highly recommended that separate people care for other livestock species that have not been around the affected dairy cattle in order to avoid exposure of the other livestock species to the virus.
Dairies continue to report 10-70% of the herd can be affected with clinical signs consistent with lactation abnormalities, digestive abnormalities, respiratory abnormalities, and potentially an increase in later term abortions. Virus was recently identified in aborted fetal lung tissue and swabs from lungs of neonatal calves. It is strongly recommended that dairy producers pasteurize colostrum or consider feeding powdered colostrum if infected with HPAI H5N1.
The U.S. milk supply remains safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted studies to evaluate the effectiveness of pasteurization to inactive HPAI H5N1 virus. In October, the FDA began a double-blinded milk silo study to better understand the prevalence of influenza A in the U.S. grade “A” milk supply. The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) began H5N1 influenza A monitoring of muscle samples from cull dairy cattle on September 16, 2024. As of November 16, 2024, the FSIS had tested 116 muscle samples with no influenza A detected in the samples. On November 22, 2024, the FSIS identified influenza A
in muscle and kidney samples from a single cull dairy cow that was harvested at a California plant. Traceback was initiated on these results and the carcass was prevented from entering the food supply chain. Veterinarians and producers are encouraged not to send any cattle with signs of HPAI H5N1 to slaughter and to hold any cattle that have been affected by the virus until they have fully recovered and returned to normal body condition.
Veterinarians and producers are encouraged to remain vigilant for HPAI H5N1 and report any suspicions of disease. In California, H5N1 in livestock species is a reportable condition. USDA offers funding for affected and unaffected dairies to develop biosecurity plans and submit surveillance samples. More information on funding can be found by scanning the QR code.
As HPAI H5N1 continues to spread, CDFA encourages producers and veterinarians to enhance biosecurity on and off dairy premises to limit the risk of disease introduction. CDFA AHB is conducting epidemiological investigations on affected farms. We continue to assess our response and surveillance plan as the outbreak expands and work in close collaboration with state and federal partners, including the California Department of Public Health, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and USDA, to protect livestock, poultry, and public health.
CVMA Board of Governors Openings
The CVMA Board of Governors—the association’s governing body—is comprised of 16 governors consisting of 11 geographic representatives and five at-large members. The Board terms noted below expire on June 30, 2025.
Geographic District Representation
Any eligible CVMA members may become a candidate for the Board by submitting a written petition of intent, signed by 10 CVMA members who reside in or maintain a principal office for the practice of veterinary medicine within the district to be represented.
District II—Counties of Orange and Los Angeles
• Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, not eligible for another term
• Dr. Misty Hirschbein, eligible for another term
District IV—Counties of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura
• Dr. Patrick Connolly, not eligible for another term
District VII—Counties of Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, and Yuba
• Dr. Kevin Terra, eligible for another term
Download the petition by visiting cvma.net and click on Get Involved under the About Us tab, or contact CVMA Executive Director Dan Baxter at dbaxter@cvma.net. Completed candidate district petitions must be returned to the CVMA office by March 21, 2025.
At-Large Board of Governors Applications
Applicants for at-large Board positions shall not simultaneously run for an elected district Board position. After receiving letters of interest and applications from qualified CVMA members, the CVMA’s Leadership Committee will evaluate candidates for open at-large positions. Existing at-large Governors must complete an application for a second term.
Governors-At-Large
• Dr. Diane McClure, eligible for another term
To view the at-large position description and download an application, visit cvma.net or contact Dan Baxter at dbaxter@cvma.net. Completed at-large applications must be returned to the CVMA office by February 1, 2025.
WesternU CVM Street Dog Clinic Becoming a University-Wide Event
Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine’s Street Dog Coalition clinics are fast becoming a university-wide project.
The clinics, which provide care to the pets of unhoused owners, attracted assistance from WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), College of Dental Medicine (CDM), and the College of Pharmacy (COP) at the most recent event on October 19, 2024.
“I like collaborating with all of the health sciences,” said first-year medical student
UC DAVIS NEWS
Cindy Tong. “Events like these really showcase what you can do when you work together. It is […] so fun to work with the vet students.”
The Pomona Street Dog Coalition began offering the clinics in 2022 as part of a national effort to provide free veterinary care and related services to pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Street Dog Coalition uses a One Health approach to street medicine and pop-up street clinics, emphasizing the health of both animals and humans and the importance of the human-animal bond. While dogs and cats were tended to by a number of veterinarians and student assistants, other health care teams were providing care to their owners.
For example, medical students on Saturday, along with Dr. Seth Politano, DO, provided free blood pressure and fasting blood sugar level screenings, while WesternU Director of Pharmacy
Services and Operations Preeti Kotha, PharmD, provided flu vaccines. Elsewhere, there were opportunities for pet owners to receive relevant health information, hygiene supplies, meals and snacks, and access to other community resources.
“When we started these clinics, we hoped to one day involve multiple if not all WesternU colleges,” said Dr. Rhea Hanselmann, DVM, MPVM, PhD, CVM Assistant Professor, Pomona Street Dog Coalition team lead and faculty advisor. “Having students and faculty from COMP, CDM, and COP work with us is a huge step forward. WesternU has so much to offer our community. Events like these clinics allow us to interact with and give back to our neighbors and, in the process, we all learn from each other.”
For second-year CVM student Lyssabeth “Abby” Lorico, who helped organized the event, working with unhoused pet owners in Pomona is an extension of volunteer work she began as an undergraduate student. “I just love helping people and animals that don’t normally get the chance to get the help that they need,” she said. “They also deserve care.”
UC Davis Recognized for Excellence in Diversity
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) received the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
“We are so proud to receive this award,” said Dr. Mark Stetter, dean of the SVM. “UC Davis is known as one of the top veterinary programs in the world. To obtain and maintain that recognition, we lead with progressive, innovative, and impactful initiatives that bring the best students from all backgrounds to the school.”
California is a diverse state, but the veterinary profession generally does not reflect the state’s demographics. Insight Into Diversity magazine selected UC Davis because of its programs, which are designed to introduce students from lowincome and rural areas to the veterinary profession, and to create a welcoming, supportive environment.
A record high 58% of the SVM’s Class of 2028 are first-generation college students, with a 29% increase in students historically underrepresented in medicine, making it the SVM’s most diverse class to date.
In addition to encouraging students from all backgrounds to apply and become members of the veterinary profession, the school lowers the barrier to entry by being one of the most affordable programs nationwide. The average debt of UC Davis graduates ranks lower than almost every other veterinary school in the country.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Applications Available February 1, 2025
Each year, the California Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) offers two scholarships to deserving veterinary students. Descriptions and criteria of both awards are listed below.
CVMF/VISC Student Scholarship Award
The CVMF/Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) Student Scholarship Award is given each year by the CVMF in partnership with VISC. This scholarship is possible thanks to donations from VISC and the CVMF, representing VISC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the veterinary profession in California. The CVMF will award $1,000 scholarships to third- and fourth-year veterinary students in good standing at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, or California residents attending outof-state American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary medical colleges.
How to Apply
Ron Faoro, DVM, Student Scholarship Award
The second available student scholarship is the Ron Faoro, DVM Student Scholarship Award. Established in the memory of former CVMA president Dr. Ron Faoro and given by the CVMF, this scholarship awards recipients with $2,500 scholarships for their role in leadership. Second-, third-, and fourth-year veterinary students in good standing at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Western University College of Veterinary Medicine are eligible to apply.
Recipients will be selected by the CVMF/VISC Student Scholarship Fund Subcommittee and the Ron Faoro, DVM Student Scholarship Fund Subcommittee based on their submitted application materials.
Applications for both scholarships must be received by April 15, 2025 to be considered. For eligibility requirements and application information, please visit the CVMF website at cvmf.net, call Dan Baxter at 800.655.2862, or email staff@cvmf.net. Recipients will be notified by June 2025.
Cybersecurity for Veterinarian Practices
By Sean Renshaw, Risk Control Sr. Consultant, CNA
While the growth of new technology solutions allows veterinary practices to optimize business and increase productivity, the use of these technologies comes with increased risk that must not be ignored. It is imperative that businesses of all sizes, including veterinary practices, understand their cybersecurity risk. Despite common misconceptions, small businesses are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as large corporations. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigation Report, 43% of breaches involve small businesses. Moreover, a 2023 study by Malwarebytes found that approximately 11,000 veterinary practices experience a cyberattack annually. Cybersecurity is especially important for veterinary practices, which must adhere to data protection laws in the states they do business.
Threats to Veterinary Practices
A common digital solution utilized by veterinary practices is a practice management system (PMS). Even though a PMS is extremely effective at streamlining operations, it is also a target for cybercriminals due to the significant amount of data it stores, including customer/owner information, animal medical records, prescriptions,
and owner financial data. Furthermore, internet-connected diagnostic equipment used in veterinary practices, such as MRI and x-ray machines, represent additional threat vectors. A breach resulting in unauthorized access to a practice’s data can have significant impacts, causing business interruption, financial harm, regulatory fines, and harm to the practice’s reputation.
The most frequent threat vectors facing veterinary practices include compromised credentials, social engineering, and ransomware. A research study performed by Stanford University found that human behavior is a contributing cause of 88% of cyber incidents. Cybercriminals can obtain user credentials through several different methods, including malware, brute force attacks, reused passwords that were previously compromised on another website, and phishing attacks. Social engineering—in this context, the tactic of manipulating a victim to gain control over a computer system or to steal personal/financial information— exploits human behavior rather than technical vulnerabilities. Phishing, a specific form of social engineering, involves tricking someone into providing sensitive information through spook emails or websites. These pathways can be used to deliver ransomware individuals or groups that intentionally cause harm to digital systems.
Protecting Your Practice
There are several cybersecurity controls that you can use to help protect your practice against cyberattacks.
1. Password management can help prevent many breaches and is therefore a key control. A robust password management policy requires strong passwords that consist of at least 12 characters using a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords should be changed every 90 days and not be reused. It is important to avoid common phrases, quotes, and song lyrics.
2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO). MFA is a redundant identification process, which requires users to utilize multiple verification steps to gain access to a network or system. The authentication process can entail a combination of passwords, texts, biometrics, or other verification methods.
3. Patch management is the process of installing software updates to improve functionality, fix vulnerabilities, and ultimately enhance security. It is important that we don’t forget about updating and patching our mobile devices. Once a patch or software update is issued, it is critical to patch the devices to close any vulnerabilities.
4. Educating and training employees is a critical part of a strong cybersecurity program. Security awareness training should be provided to all employees upon hire and then reviewed at least annually. Employees should be trained on the company’s policies as well as common threats they may face. In addition, phishing prevention tests use simulated phishing emails to test employee’s likelihood of falling victim to a phishing attack. Remedial training is recommended for those who don’t pass the phishing test.
5. Back up all necessary data on employee laptops, servers, and mobile devices in the event of a compromise. The frequency of backups should be based on how critical the information is. Today, we are seeing more businesses move towards cloud backup solutions instead of on-premises tape backups. To better safeguard backups, data should be kept offline, offsite, and encrypted, and should require
Online Seminars
separate multi-factor authentication to access. Lastly, it is critical that backups are tested for restorability.
Veterinary practices should adopt cybersecurity controls to safeguard data and keep the business operating smoothly. By educating employees and fostering a strong cybersecurity culture, these practices can minimize risks and ensure compliance with data protection laws. A proactive approach to security, including implementing tools like MFA, regular updates, and secure backups, will benefit the practice, its employees, and its clients. Ultimately, improving cybersecurity allows veterinary professionals to focus more on delivering high-quality care to animals without being hindered by cyber threats.
In partnership with
New Laws for 2025
Dan Baxter, CVMA Executive Director
Grant Miller, DVM, CVMA Director of Regulatory Affairs
January 21, 2025 | 12:30–1:30 PM (1 CEU)
January 23, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM (1 CEU)
With several new laws taking effect in 2025, it is important for veterinary practices to have a clear view of the legal landscape to ensure continuing compliance. This talk will cover new and important laws that all employers and employees should be aware of moving forward. The course qualifies as continuing education credit for the purpose of California veterinarian and registered veterinary technician license renewal.
Adam DeCarolis, PharmD, CNA Risk Control Consulting Director; John Mizurak, RRE, CRIS, CNA Risk Control Consulting Director, Small Business; and Jordan Edl, Alert Labs Senior Director, Business Development
March 11, 2025 | 12:30–1:30 PM March 13, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Veterinary Insurance Services (VISC) in partnership with CNA and Alert Labs invite you to a presentation on the importance of mitigating water damage in veterinary clinics. Uncontrolled or undetected water in veterinary facilities can lead to more than just property damage—it can disrupt essential care for your patients, impacting your clients during their most urgent times of need.
CNA is partnering with Alert Labs, a leading manufacturer of smart building sensors and software, to introduce its IoT sensor program. This program is designed to help clinics monitor, protect, and respond to environmental risks before they escalate.
This course is complimentary and does not offer CEU.
The CVMA extends our sympathy to the friends and family of those remembered.
Dr. Robert Miller, a CVMA Life Member, passed away on November 16, 2024. Dr. Miller received his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1956. After graduating, he opened Thousand Oaks’ first animal hospital, Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic, which later received the American Veterinary Hospital Association’s “Animal Hospital of the Year” award. Dr. Miller was one of the world’s foremost authorities on equine behavior, best-known for revolutionizing the concept of imprint training and early learning as it pertains to newborn foals. He was an early adopter of relationshipbased horsemanship, a movement that involves handling, training, and riding equines using humane, scientifically proven, non-coercive methods. His family has established two academic scholarships in his name: the Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM Academic Memorial Scholarship for the Natural Horsemanship program at the University of Montana Western, and a forthcoming scholarship through Colorado State University. A gift can also be made in his memory for a veterinary student specializing in equine science to CSU Foundation, PO Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522.
Dr. Michael Seely, a CVMA Life Member, passed away on June 8, 2024. Dr. Seely graduated from UC Davis with his veterinary degree in 1969. Dr. Seely owned Butte Mobile Veterinary Practice in Chico, where he cared for small animals in the comfort of their homes. Throughout his career, Dr. Seely was active in several animal-rescue groups that provided care to pets and livestock displaced by wildfires. Additionally, he served on the CVMA’s RVT Committee and Wellness Committee.
In memory of deceased members, the CVMA makes a donation to the California Veterinary Medical Foundation, whose mission statement reads: “Nurturing kindness, education, and well-being for all animals, people, and the environment.”
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POSITIONS OFFERED
Northern California
Veterinarians
We are an established (30+ years), busy, privately owned, family-oriented, small animal practice. We are a general practice but handle a lot of urgent and emergency cases, internal medicine, surgical cases, and more. We are also well-known and loved by our community and are consistently named as the city's "Best Veterinary Practice"! We are seeking motivated, experienced (2+ years' experience) full-time veterinarians to join our 8-doctor team and help us serve our beloved community. Davies Animal Medical Hospital is an easy commute from Sacramento or Chico. The area is perfect for an active lifestyle! Davies Animal Hospital is just a short drive from Tahoe, Napa wine country, and the state capital, which hosts lots of local events! We have an incredible team of over 50 staff members with a high staff-to-doctor ratio. Our staff works together collaboratively, cohesively, and efficiently and the atmosphere is always fun. We work hard to keep morale high, and it shows in our employee retention. We are well equipped with a full Idexx Laboratory, computerized records with home access, digital radiography, and access specialist support for those complicated cases. The ideal candidate would be a team player, who strives to perform high-quality medicine, with a focus on creating a warm, family experience with clients. We aim to provide our team with an optimal work/life balance and flexible work schedules. We even offer medical transcription services (scribes) for our veterinarians so they can focus on the medicine and not on the paperwork! We are offering a highly competitive salary with a production bonus (potential earnings of $160 - 300k!), and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k, CE allowance, Licensing/Dues/Uniform reimbursement, medical transcription services (scribes), and even a DoorDash benefit! Email Jannaperezdvm@gmail.com.
Like us, you have a calling to be a caregiver and a life-long learner and to be a part of something bigger; to be a valued professional, a part of a passionate and focused team, and part of a vibrant community. Terra Linda Veterinary Hospital is a privately owned animal hospital focused on providing exceptional personalized care for pets and their people, and a supportive and collaborative environment for our staff. We understand that our team is our greatest asset, and we believe that caring for our team first is the key to our ability to provide great care for our patients and clients. We treat our patients, our clients, and our staff like family. And we are completely dedicated to our family. Terra Linda Veterinary Hospital is located in San Rafael, CA, in the heart of desirable Marin County. Our long, warm Summers and mild Winters are perfect for soaking in those stunning views over the bay and
visiting the plethora of nearby attractions such as Muir Woods, the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valleys, numerous beaches and national parks and the nearby cities of San Francisco and Berkeley. Practice highlights: AAHA accredited; Spacious, well-equipped exam rooms; Digital radiography; A fullyequipped dental suite; In-house laboratory including Vetscan Imagyst; Ultrasound; Surgical Laser; Dedicated support staff; Visiting Internist and Ultrasonographer. We offer: Competitive Salary: $190,000-225,000; Sign-on Bonus-$60,000; Relocation Assistance stipend; Dedicated, personalized mentorship for early-career Veterinarians; Professional Licensing reimbursement; Professional Association dues; Generous PTO; CE stipend and additional PTO for CE attendance. Health, Dental and Vision insurance benefits; Pet discounts (because your pets are part of our family too). We are seeking a Veterinary Associate who is as passionate, focused and caring as we are. Someone who’s unique strengths and interests will lift us up and enrich our hospital culture. A veterinarian of any experience level who wants to live in a beautiful area, grow with us and love what they do every day. Email sfmmvet@vail.net.
CodaPet is a small, independent group of veterinarians that have teamed up to make it easier for vets like you to provide at-home euthanasia services in your community. We provide the technology, scheduling, call center, payment processing, and marketing resources you need to start and manage your own at-home euthanasia practice. You have 100% control over when you work, where you serve, and what you charge. Learn More: www.codapet.com/vets. Schedule a Call with one of our Veterinarian Co-founders: codapet. typeform.com/vetApp. HOW IT WORKS: In short, CodaPet handles everything except the medical services that you are licensed to provide as a veterinarian. You set the days and times you want to work, and CodaPet will advertise your services, schedule appointments, answer inbound calls, and collect payment. If you haven't provided in-home euthanasia before, we also provide extensive training and access to an exclusive community of other in-home euthanasia providers all across the United States. HOW MUCH YOU CAN EARN: Because you have absolute control over your schedule, service area, and pricing, how much you earn will depend on how often you want to work. On average, CodaPet's veterinary partners take home about $370 per appointment (after your variable expenses but before taxes). Here are some examples of how much veterinarians in our community have made so far in 2024: Part-Time Examples: A (Former) Vaccine Clinic Veterinarian: Some vets joined CodaPet because they were asked to meet unreasonable quotas by the corporations that employed them. One vet that we partnered with worked part-time at a vaccination clinic in addition to serving as a marine mammal vet. She replaced her vaccination shifts with CodaPet after her employer reduced the allotted appointment
time from 10 minutes per pet to just 5 minutes. She earned about $7,250 after expenses last month supporting just 21 pet parents. (A detailed breakdown of her earnings is available here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-7gMID Tx7wQo0C5mXP11oU1velxYnn9yoo9E2Z2K2zU/). A Relief Veterinarian: Another vet we partnered with also works relief shifts part-time. On CodaPet, she’s earned an average of $6,000 per month after expenses working around 22 hours to support 11 clients who had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to their beloved companions. (A detailed breakdown of her earnings is available here: https://docs. google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L_98lnePzIVV8U3wzYQaywMKraDsddAAmwhYaw6494/). An Independent Vet Clinic Owner: Some vets joined CodaPet because they wanted to offer inhome euthanasia in addition to their day jobs, but didn’t have the time or resources to get started on their own. One vet we partnered with who owns her own clinic joined CodaPet to start providing in-home euthanasia as she considers her transition out of general practice and into semi-retirement. She earns an extra $5,000 each month supporting just 18 pet parents. (A detailed breakdown of her earnings is available here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PvlvaFqXE5N tDlBNvsK28AVgCfoseTrF2Bb8sSm6YbA/). Full-Time Examples: A General Practice Vet: Some vets joined CodaPet because they were burned out from the grind of their clinical jobs. One vet in our community transitioned from working fulltime at a general practice clinic to full-time offering at-home euthanasia on CodaPet in just about half a year. She earns around $12,000 per month while supporting fewer than two clients per workday. (Detailed breakdown: docs.google.com/ spreadsheets/d/10Be504kkgq7CTujYOKR31CwrnkyXmUNsy k40VeXRfkA/). A World Traveler: Some vets joined CodaPet because they’re tired of going through an approval process just to take a day off work. For example, one vet we partnered with last year took a one-month trip abroad. The month after she returned, she worked when she wanted, earning around $10,500 while shepherding 24 pets across the rainbow bridge.
(A detailed breakdown of her earnings is available here: docs. google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aF0L3evN1NMbSYgLMBHM I8PtE67lxhOlf0Jn391u6f8/). Requirements: To start offering in-home euthanasia on CodaPet, every veterinarian needs three things: an active license, compassion, and access to suitable transportation. Beyond those three qualifications, CodaPet will guide you in obtaining all of the other supplies, drugs, and essentials that you’ll need. In fact, we partner with a diverse group of veterinary professionals providing in-home euthanasia services in their communities, including: Relief Veterinarians; Full- and Part-Time Clinical Veterinarians; Mobile and Ambulatory Veterinary Practice Owners; Emergency Room and Urgent-Care Veterinarians; Public Practice and Government Veterinarians; Full-Time Parents Rejoining the Workforce. HOW TO APPLY: If you're interested in learning more or speaking with one of our veterinarian co-founders: Learn More: www.codapet.com/vets; Schedule a Call with one of our Veterinarian Co-founders: codapet. typeform.com/vetApp.
