Get Involved

Advocacy

OVMA has your back! Our full-time government relations department closely monitors activity at the Statehouse and Ohio government agencies. When the need arises, we advocate on your behalf to make sure your views are represented and lawmakers are able to make educated decisions about the veterinary profession.

The term "grassroots" is often misunderstood, but it simply means ordinary people having an extraordinary impact by joining together and speaking as one unified voice. While financial contributions certainly help, simply speaking up can have just as significant an impact.

Although OVMA staff do and will continue to spend a lot of time at the Statehouse educating the administration and General Assembly on the importance of veterinary medicine, we need your help. Every phone call, every email from you—the constituent—will make a difference.

Although the acronym PAC may have negative connotations, OVMA's veterinary political action committee (VPAC) plays an important role in OVMA's government relations efforts.

It gives you a strong voice in politics by helping to elect and retain candidates who understand and are open to the issues and concerns of the veterinary medicine profession. During its history, VPAC has grown to become an important resource in assisting OVMA's legislative efforts.

Issues Impacted by VPAC

A few of the issues OVMA has been able to impact on behalf of veterinarians include:

  • Sales tax on veterinary services
  • Commercial dog breeding
  • Pharmacy regulations
  • Service animal laws
  • Livestock care standards

This committee reviews proposed legislation and regulatory changes, analyzes how they may impact the veterinary profession, and discusses possible revisions that benefit veterinarians. Additionally, this committee makes recommendations regarding public policy positions for the Association on various current topics.

You're an expert on veterinary medicine—so share your perspective with the people who make the laws that govern your profession!

Every April, OVMA invites members to sign up for Legislative Day, during which participants meet with their legislators in order to educate them and share the veterinary perspective on current issues. Our government relations staff schedule all appointments and arrange for lunch, so all you have to do to participate is show up!

Volunteer Opportunities

The OVMA offers a broad spectrum of volunteer activities, contribution opportunities, and events in which you can become an active participant. Find your interest, your passion, your skill, and then join your colleagues in making a difference. Not only will veterinary medicine benefit, but so too will you expand your network of colleagues, your knowledge, and the sense that you are together capable of something far greater.

Education Committees

A series of sub-committees that develop educational programming for the Midwest Veterinary Conference and OVMA one-day programs.

  • Animal Abuse Recognition & Reporting
  • Animal Behavior
  • Equine
  • Food Animal
  • Holistic & Integrative Medicine
  • Laboratory Animal
  • Pet Animal
  • Public Health
  • Practice Management & Staff Development
  • Shelter Animal
  • Technician
  • Veterinary Exploration Conference

Finance/Audit Committee

Develops operating budgets and fiscal policy. Reviews and makes recommendations on member service issues.

Legislative Committee

Reviews proposed legislation and regulatory changes that impact the veterinary profession. Makes recommendations as to public policy positions for the organization.

Public Education Committee

Develops programs to educate the public on various aspects of the veterinary profession and animal care. Promotes a sense of community within the profession.

Wellbeing Committee

Provides a framework for educational tools and personal assistance for veterinarians regarding physical and mental well-being, as well as drug dependency. Also plans educational sessions and speakers for the Midwest Veterinary Conference's six-hour Wellness track.

Comprised of 20 members from across the state, the OVMA Board guides Association policies and resources, considers current legislation, and develops strategies. Elections are held annually for statewide officer and district representative positions per the OVMA By-Laws.

You're an expert on veterinary medicine—so share your perspective with the people who make the laws that govern your profession! Every April, OVMA invites members to sign up for Legislative Day, during which participants meet with their legislators in order to educate them and share the veterinary perspective on current issues. Our government relations staff schedule all appointments and arrange for lunch, so all you have to do to participate is show up!

Since 2006, OVMA has been the proud sponsor of the Veterinary Education & Birthing Center at the Ohio State Fair. This endeavor affords the OVMA a unique opportunity to interact with and educate the general public on veterinary medicine and large animal care.

Occuring annually in late February, the Midwest Veterinary Conference is a 6,000+ attendee event organized by a staff of seven—which means we need your help to ensure it runs smoothly! We invite members who are attending the MVC to volunteer as session moderators.

OVMA Events

See also: CE Calendar »