Dear AAIV Members, As we move into the second quarter, the American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV) is focused on strengthening our community and maximizing the value we deliver to you, our members. We want every member to be an enthusiastic ambassador, confidently recommending AAIV membership as an essential resource to their colleagues. This commitment is how we will strengthen the professional development of our members, reinforce our organization, and amplify our collective voice. Your input is essential to this mission. We actively welcome your thoughts and recommendations on what would make AAIV more valuable to you, whether through education, networking, or advocacy. Please email me at any time Carolyn_Luther@hillspet.com with your thoughts and suggestions, and look for a membership survey coming in the next few months. A key opportunity to connect and recruit new members is fast approaching! We eagerly anticipate seeing many of you this July at the AVMA Convention. AAIV will be hosting a dedicated networking event and our hybrid in-person and virtual Annual General Membership Meeting on Sunday morning. Please RSVP here , and most importantly, bring a colleague who is not yet a member! These gatherings are a powerful way to reconnect, engage, and truly showcase the strength of our community. If you are gaining value from your AAIV membership, the two most impactful actions you can take are sharing that experience and volunteering your time. We strongly encourage you to reach out to colleagues who would benefit from the professional development, community, and advocacy AAIV provides. Your personal recommendation is the most direct way you can help us achieve our goal of growing AAIV’s influence across the industry. Thank you to our dedicated board, officers, and volunteers for their ongoing commitment. I urge you to stay engaged, participate in our initiatives, and help us collectively shape the future of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. Respectfully, Carolyn Luther, D.V.M. President, American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV)
By Deb Nickelson, D.V.M., M.B.A, AAIV Delegate to the AVMA HOD Dr. Wendy Weirich, former AAIV board member and long-standing member of the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee informed us that the AVMA policy, “Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing and education” is under review and open for comments. There are lab animal veterinarians on the Animal Welfare Committee who will ensure that all lab animal regulations are followed in any changes that are made. Basically, the majority of dogs and cats used in biomedical research and testing are bred specifically for such use by USDA Class A licensees and are referred to as purpose-bred animals. However, there may be limited research and testing situations where there is a justifiable need for dogs and cats with other genetic and physical features not found in purpose-bred animals. Such animals may include random-source animals. Random-source animals are also used for limited veterinary and science education purposes. The carefully controlled use of random-source dogs and cats can contribute to improving the health and welfare of animals and humans. The decision to use such animals should always include rigorous consideration of the 3Rs principles of refinement, reduction, and replacement. The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, with provisions outlined in the policy. This policy was last reviewed and updated in 2021. Everyone is welcome to read the policy and make comments on the link provided. This gives the Animal Welfare Committee a chance to review all comments and make changes before this policy is made into a resolution set forth in the House of Delegates this July. The policy and place to make comments are at this link: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/use-random-source-dogs-and-cats-research-testing-and-education
By Deb Nickelson, D.V.M., M.B.A, AAIV Delegate to the AVMA HOD The next meeting of the House of Delegates is right before the AVMA convention on July 9-10, 2026, in Anaheim, California. There will be elections for members of AVMA councils and committees. While some nominations were due May 1, there are still several positions that are open until they are filled. VOLUNTEER If you feel underrepresented by the AVMA or want to make sure you are represented, this is your chance to step up, have a seat at the table and be heard. You have so much expertise and experience to offer. Why do it? Volunteering with the AVMA | American Veterinary Medical Association What is involved? Usually, people serve a three-year team on councils and committees and may seek a second term for three years. Meetings are at AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois once or twice a year and virtually. Any ad hoc work is done remotely. For positions that include both a delegate and alternate delegate, the alternate is included in email and learns from the delegate but may not attend meetings, depending on the group. What positions are available? Check here for the list of what is and will be available. Some require nomination from a group such as AAIV (which we are happy to do), some require a self nomination. Councils, committees, task forces, and trusts | American Veterinary Medical Association I am happy to assist you to figure out which position would be the best fit and help you navigate the application and nomination process. Send a message to me at industryvets@aaivet.org .
