NAVC launches national pet advocacy program
The goal of the new animal community alliance is to unite veterinary professionals and pet lovers throughout the United States to support animals in a host of ways.
In advance of its annual Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) this weekend, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) has announced the launch of "embrace," an advocacy program that provides veterinary professionals and pet owners with a platform to advocate for animals everywhere.
“embrace” members will receive emails with updates on proposed legislation, rules and regulations impacting animal health, like these:
- National Animal Rescue Day. Introduced in the U.S. House of Representative last year, H.R. 34 designates the first Saturday in October as National Animal Rescue Day in support of the six million dogs and cats that are placed in shelters each year. Half of the animals in U.S. shelters never find a forever home and are ultimately euthanized. National Animal Rescue Day is intended to shine a light on adoption events, festivals and charitable giving.
- PAWS Act. The Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) Act (H.R. 3103 and S. 2949) seeks to reduce veteran suicides and ensure the wellbeing of veterans who have already exhausted all other treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder by connecting them with service dogs as a form of therapy.
- Strengthening Support for Veterans with Service Animals Act. H.R. 4952, also introduced last year, protects veterans’ access to airplanes with their service dogs.
Often these emails will include a call to action such as signing a petition, emailing policymakers, tweeting representatives and making phone calls. Members will also have exclusive access to advocacy webinars, training and in-person meetings with government officials.
“What makes ‘embrace’ ... so unique is we bring together all members of the pet-loving community—veterinary professionals and pet owners—to advocate on behalf of animals everywhere,” said NAVC interim CEO Eugene O’Neill in a press release from the organization. “Through the NAVC’s global community of 500,000 veterinarians and other animal healthcare leaders, ‘embrace’ provides a powerful platform for us to work together to build a better future for animals.”
During VMX, attendees will have the opportunity to join “embrace” and support these bills by visiting its advocacy booth in the Orange County Convention Center South Conference across from Room S210. If you’re interested but won’t be at the conference, click here to join.
