January 2026

Robert Simpson, DVM, JD AVMLA President

Dear AVMLA Members,

As we begin a new year together, I am honored to serve as your 2025–2026 President. January offers a natural moment to reflect on our shared purpose and to look ahead with clarity and momentum.

AVMLA continues to grow as a trusted resource for veterinary professionals seeking the legal knowledge, practical guidance, and community support essential in today’s evolving landscape.

AVMLA is continuing the comprehensive overhaul of its programming and member engagement that began in 2025. This work includes modernizing our monthly education sessions, expanding practical legal resources for everyday practice challenges, and rebuilding our communication channels to make it easier for members to learn, connect, and participate throughout the year.

Our monthly Veterinary Legal Hot Topics member meetings remain one of the most valuable benefits we offer. Each month, industry experts join us to share timely insights on the legal and regulatory issues shaping veterinary practice. These sessions are designed to be immediately useful—helping you navigate challenges, strengthen your decision‑making, and stay ahead of emerging trends.

If you have not yet participated, I encourage you to set aside just one hour each month. The perspectives and practical takeaways gained from these conversations can meaningfully influence your work, your leadership, and your confidence.

Planning is also well underway for the AVMLA Annual Meeting and Continuing Education Program, held in conjunction with the Western Veterinary Conference in Nashville, TN, August 15–16, 2026. This event will be a highlight of our year, offering education, collaboration, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues who share your commitment to veterinary law and ethics.

This is your association. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more vibrant, and more impactful AVMLA in 2026.

Rob Simpson, DVM, JD

AVMLA President 2025-26

AVMLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Nancy Halpern, DVM, JD is a partner at Fox Rothschild LLP and Chair of the firm’s Animal Law Practice. A licensed veterinarian and attorney, she brings a rare dual‑discipline perspective to regulatory compliance, animal health law, and government affairs. Her work spans federal and state regulatory matters, administrative proceedings, and policy development affecting veterinary practices, animal‑related businesses, and agricultural industries. Nancy is widely recognized for her leadership in animal law and her commitment to advancing sound, science‑based policy across the profession. Read More

Emerging Legal Trends in Veterinary Medicine (2026)

Veterinary Payment Trends: What to Expect in 2026
Written by Angela Beal, DVM

Veterinary payment trends are shifting fast, and 2026 could become a transformative year. What used to be a simple card swipe is now dominated by technology and influenced by the rising cost of veterinary care, client expectations, and the changing landscape of veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Practice Growth in 2026: Key Challenges for Multi‑Location Organizations

Veterinary groups entering 2026 are navigating consolidation pressures, staffing shortages, and rising operating costs. Industry analysts highlight how these forces are reshaping strategic planning for practices nationwide. Read More

Darvall to Showcase New Veterinary Technology at VMX 2026

Darvall announced new anesthesia and patient‑safety technologies debuting at VMX 2026, including equipment designed to streamline workflows and improve clinical efficiency.

7 New Technologies Veterinary Professionals Should Know About in 2026

A look at emerging tools — including AI diagnostics and advanced imaging — that are shaping how veterinary teams deliver care in 2026. Read More

Legal & Regulatory Updates in
Veterinary Medicine

New Pet‑Related Laws Taking Effect in 2026

States across the country have enacted new animal‑welfare and pet‑ownership laws for 2026, including stricter cruelty penalties, limits on CBD products for pets, updated import rules, and new requirements for pet sales and ownership. The FindLaw guide provides a state‑by‑state breakdown of the changes now in effect. Read More

Federal Rural Veterinary Workforce Legislation (Active in 2026)

Congress continues to advance legislation aimed at expanding veterinary services in underserved rural areas through loan repayment and public‑health support programs.

FEI Veterinary Regulations 2026 (International Equestrian Federation)
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has released its updated 2026 Veterinary Regulations, outlining new standards for equine welfare, medication control, competition requirements, and veterinary responsibilities at FEI‑sanctioned events. Read More

AVMLA 2026 Annual Continuing Education Program

If you haven't heard the news...AVMLA is stepping onto a bigger stage in 2026—and we’re bringing something entirely new with us.

For the first time in our association’s history, AVMLA will present a multi‑hour Applied Veterinary Law & Ethics track at a major national veterinary conference. This milestone program will debut at the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Nashville, Tennessee, taking place August 15–16, 2026, alongside our Annual Meeting and CLE offerings.

Save the Date: August 15–16, 2026

Applied Veterinary Law & Ethics Track + AVMLA Annual Meeting at WVC Nashville

This expanded presence at WVC represents more than a schedule addition—it’s an opportunity to elevate the role of veterinary law and ethics within the broader profession. Attendees will gain access to timely discussions, expert perspectives, and the kind of cross‑disciplinary dialogue that strengthens both veterinary practice and public understanding.

Registration information will be released soon, but we encourage members to mark their calendars now and plan to join us for this landmark event.

AVMLA is also opening educational sponsorship opportunities connected to this new track. Sponsorship not only supports our mission—it places your organization in front of industry leaders, decision‑makers, and professionals shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Warm regards,

Jim Wilson, DVM, JD

2026 Program Chair and President‑Elect

Share Your Expertise, Shape the Discussion

AVMLA's Veterinary Monthly
Legal Hot Topics

AVMLA's Veterinary Legal Hot Topics Upcoming Calendar -
Get Registered

Hot Topic: Join us for a timely conversation on the growing trend of including student‑loan payment support in employment contracts. We’ll explore why this benefit is gaining attention, what it could mean for both employers and employees, and the broader questions it raises about compensation in today’s workforce.

Whether you’re curious about the legal landscape, recruitment strategies, or simply how this fits into the future of work, this discussion will offer helpful insights and perspectives.

Invited Guest Panel:

Jim Wilson, DVM, JD

Rob Simpson, DVM,

Jordan Tayce, DVM

Lance Roasa, DVM, JD

Jerry Greene, DVM

Debra Hamilton, JD

AVMLA Veterinary Legal Hot Topics

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 8:00 PM ET

Topic: The Story Behind Payments Toward Student Loans as a Benefit in Employment Contracts

Agenda

8:00 PM – Welcome & Introductions

Brief welcome from AVMLA
Introduce moderator
Introduce guest speakers
Quick overview of the session purpose and flow

8:05 PM – Setting the Stage

What is changing with the new Federal Direct Loan Program that will make it more difficult for students
Why student loan payment benefits are gaining traction
Context within veterinary employment contracts
Emerging trends in compensation packages

8:10 PM – Presentation & Expert Insights

Legal considerations and compliance issues
Employer motivations and recruitment implications
Employee expectations and negotiation dynamics
Broader workforce and economic factors influencing this benefit

8:30 PM – Guided Discussion

Practical examples from the field
Risks, opportunities, and gray areas
How this benefit fits into long‑term compensation strategies

8:45 PM – Q&A With Participants

Open floor for attendee questions
Moderator facilitates and directs questions to the speaker

8:55 PM – Key Takeaways

Summary of major points
Resources or references for further learning
How AVMLA members can stay engaged on this topic

9:00 PM – Adjourn

Upcoming Monthly Legal Hot Topics!

February 24 – Animal Law Issues
March 24 – Veterinarian’s Responsibilities To Advise Clients About Dangerous Dogs and Document Records Appropriately
April 28 – The Pros and Cons of Personhood for Pets
May 26 – Trends with Board Complaints Against Veterinarians (AAVSB Speaker)

Monthly Member Meeting Registration

A special thanks to the Annual AVMLA sponsor:

ASPCA

Want to be published in the AVMLA News Brief?

We are always looking for writers, legal/veterinary information, and your input on the AVMLA News Brief. Join the committee, volunteer to write an article and/or send us your state legislation for inclusion. More information can be found at www.AVMLA.org or contact the office to get involved!