Alberta Veterinary Medical Association

Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Serving the public by regulating, enhancing and providing leadership in the practice of the profession of veterinary medicine

Founded in 1906.

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) is the professional regulatory organization governing the practice of veterinary medicine in Alberta under the authority of the Veterinary Profession Act. As a self-governing profession, the ABVMA is required to perform its regulatory and professional functions in accordance with the law and in a manner responsible to the public of Alberta through the department of Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) is committed to inclusion across gender identity, ethnicity, religion, age, neurodiversity, physical or mental ability and sexual orientation. The ABVMA membership is multicultural and we value multiple approaches and different points of view in a safe, positive and collaborative environment.

It’s RVT Month!October is RVT Month, and we want to celebrate the Registered Veterinary Technologists who are an essenti...
10/06/2025

It’s RVT Month!
October is RVT Month, and we want to celebrate the Registered Veterinary Technologists who are an essential part of every veterinary team.

This year, we want to highlight your team!
📸 Share a photo of yourself and your RVT colleagues, or if you’re a veterinarian, share a photo of your RVT team members. Each time you share a photo and tag us, you'll be entered into a draw for a team lunch! *Please note that the draw is for ABVMA members.*

Let’s recognize the incredible work RVTs do every day to support animals, clients, and their colleagues.

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.Today, we honour Survivors, remember the children who ne...
09/30/2025

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Today, we honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools. It’s a day to listen, learn, and take meaningful steps toward truth and reconciliation.

In veterinary medicine, caring for animals is inseparable from caring for the communities they live in. The ABVMA is committed to fostering a profession rooted in respect, inclusion, and understanding, and to taking action every day toward truth and reconciliation.

As part of this commitment, ABVMA invited members to participate in a webinar on Indigenous Perspectives on Animal Welfare, led by Derek Bruno of Samson Cree Nation. We would like to extend our thanks to Derek for sharing his valuable insights on the connections between the health of people, animals, and the land, as well as the importance of Indigenous-led solutions in advancing truth and reconciliation.

Today is World Rabies Day, and we’re highlighting the importance of early action and strong surveillance to protect both...
09/28/2025

Today is World Rabies Day, and we’re highlighting the importance of early action and strong surveillance to protect both people and animals.

In Alberta, bats are the most common reservoir of rabies, but the virus can spill over into other species. That’s why testing and monitoring are so important.

The CFIA Rabies Laboratory in Lethbridge plays a key role in Western Canada’s rabies surveillance. Each year, it tests around 700 animal samples using the Rabies Fluorescent Antibody Test (RFAT) to detect the virus. Additionally, Alberta’s Rabies Testing & Surveillance Program helps organize and track animal submissions when rabies is suspected, ensuring quick results and public health response.

If a pet or other domestic animal is exposed to a potentially rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. Domestic animals exposed to a potentially rabid animal should receive a rabies vaccine within 96 hours of the exposure.

If you are bitten by an animal, or if you come into contact with a bat or a potentially rabid animal:

- Wash the bite, scratch, or open sore with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.

- Contact your doctor, your local public health office (albertahealthservices.ca) or Health Link at 811 right away. They can advise you on what to do next.

Rabies is deadly - but it’s also 100% preventable. Talk to your veterinarian about the vaccination of your animals. Awareness and quick action make all the difference.

As we close out Animal Pain Awareness Month, let's remember animals can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but veterinarian...
09/26/2025

As we close out Animal Pain Awareness Month, let's remember animals can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but veterinarians are trained to recognize the signs. From traditional methods to advanced tools like equine lameness detectors, research continues to improve how we identify and manage animal pain, stress, and discomfort.

Signs of pain to watch for in pets include:

- Vocalization: more noise than usual

- Activity level: noticeable changes in energy or play

- Self-protection: withdrawn, timid, or guarded behaviour

- Daily habits: changes in appetite, sleep, or routine

- Facial expression: differences in eyes, ears, or mood

- Aggression: unusually aggressive or unusually docile

- Self-mutilation: licking, scratching, or biting themselves

- Grooming: dull or uneven coat

- Posture: hunched or lying down more often

Pain awareness doesn’t end with September. By recognizing the signs, you can help keep your pets comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout the year.

The ABVMA attended the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Annual meeting last week. This meeting al...
09/23/2025

The ABVMA attended the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Annual meeting last week. This meeting allows veterinary regulators from across North America to collaborate, improve regulatory alignment, address shared challenges, and explore solutions that advance the profession.

We want to acknowledge ABVMA member Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, DACVECC, CYT, CEO and Founder of Reviving Veterinary Medicine, for her insightful session at the AAVSB Annual Meeting, where she highlighted the complex and emotionally challenging decisions veterinarians and veterinary regulators face in their work.

What an incredible week for the veterinary profession in Alberta! On Monday, we were proud to join the ribbon cutting o...
09/18/2025

What an incredible week for the veterinary profession in Alberta!

On Monday, we were proud to join the ribbon cutting of the new UCVM building alongside Ministers Sigurdson and McDougall and our partners at UCVM, with remarks from our President Dr. Lindsey Kurach and council member Dr. Jodi Viste. This milestone - made possible through the Government of Alberta’s investment - marks the expansion of UCVM’s veterinary program, which welcomed its first class of 100 students this fall!

Our team also attended UCVM’s open house yesterday - the halls were buzzing with energy from students, faculty, partners, and community members, celebrating not only a beautiful new facility but also the bright future of the profession. Our registrar Dr. Megan Bergman even had the chance to connect with three past ABVMA Presidents for a great photo!

This new building is a huge step for veterinary medicine in Alberta - opening doors for more students, more opportunities, and a stronger future for the profession.

This year’s CanWest Conference features an unforgettable keynote from Olympian Sarah Wells. She’ll share how belief, cou...
09/17/2025

This year’s CanWest Conference features an unforgettable keynote from Olympian Sarah Wells. She’ll share how belief, courage, and resilience can transform you and your team, both in and out of practice.

Mark your calendars for CanWest 2025 and be part of an event designed to inspire, connect, and elevate veterinary professionals across Alberta and beyond.

Registration is open; early bird ends Sept. 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MT.

https://canwestconference.ca/

The veterinary profession is built on compassion, dedication, and a profound love for animals. But there is also a hard ...
09/10/2025

The veterinary profession is built on compassion, dedication, and a profound love for animals. But there is also a hard truth: veterinarians and veterinary professionals face a significantly higher risk of su***de compared to the general population.

This crisis is driven by many challenges, including long hours, student debt, compassion fatigue, grief, perfectionism, workplace isolation, and more.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Visit nomv.org or call 988.

Together, we can ensure that those who care for our animals receive the care and compassion they so deeply deserve.

Our registrar Dr. Megan Bergman spoke today at with Alberta SPCA’s Leanne Niblock in a session called “Who’s Who in th...
09/09/2025

Our registrar Dr. Megan Bergman spoke today at with Alberta SPCA’s Leanne Niblock in a session called “Who’s Who in the Zoo: Shared Responsibilities in Animal Welfare.”

Together, they broke down the key players in animal welfare—from veterinary care and prevention to enforcement and municipal roles—highlighting how responsibilities are shared across the system. Because when it comes to animal welfare, it really does take a (well-organized) zoo!

Clear communication with your pet sitter isn’t just about convenience, it’s about keeping your pets safe, comfortable, a...
09/09/2025

Clear communication with your pet sitter isn’t just about convenience, it’s about keeping your pets safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re away. From setting a routine to defining emergencies, a little preparation makes all the difference.

This Pet Sitter Education Month, take time to set your sitter up for success and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pets are in good hands.

Read more: https://www.albertaanimalhealthsource.ca/content/pet-sitter-communication-0

Big congratulations to the first class of 100 at UCVM! 🎉On Friday, we gathered for the Welcome to the Profession Ceremon...
09/01/2025

Big congratulations to the first class of 100 at UCVM! 🎉

On Friday, we gathered for the Welcome to the Profession Ceremony, where these future veterinarians stepped into their white coats, received their stethoscopes, and officially began their journey in veterinary medicine.

This milestone marks an exciting new chapter - and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things the Class of 2029 will achieve. The future of the profession is brighter than ever!

Address

300, 4803-87 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T6E0V3

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

780-489-5007

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