Robert Simpson, DVM, JD AVMLA President | | |
Dear AVMLA Members,
As your 2025-2026 President, I’m proud to lead an organization that delivers real-world value to veterinary professionals. AVMLA isn’t just a professional association—it’s a resource built to give you the nuts and bolts of what you may not know (or didn’t realize you needed to know) about the business and legal side of veterinary medicine.
Every month, our MMM (Monthly Member Meetings) feature industry experts who generously donate their time, experience, and insight to help you navigate the complexities of veterinary law and practice. These sessions are designed to make a difference—for your career, your business, and your confidence in the field.
If you haven’t joined us yet, I encourage you to invest just one hour a month. The return on that time is exponential.
We’re also actively planning the 2026 AVMLA Annual Meeting and Continuing Education Program, and we’re looking for speakers who bring fresh perspectives and practical expertise. If you’re interested in contributing, please reach out or complete the AVMLA speaker form.
This is your association. Let’s make it stronger—together.
Rob Simpson, DVM, JD
AVMLA President 2025-26
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Dr. Helen Garber, BVM&S
Dr. Garber earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S), equivalent to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, from the University of Edinburgh in 2018. Originally from the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area, she has returned to serve the community she grew up in as an Associate Veterinarian at Fort Thomas Animal Hospital, part of the CareVet network.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Garber enjoys fitness, exploring, kayaking, playing guitar and piano, and spending time with her family — including three dogs and one cat — as well as friends and her significant other.
| | | AVMLA 2026 Annual Continuing Education Program | | |
As your 2026 Program Chair and President-Elect, I’m excited to share that planning is underway for next year’s AVMLA Annual Meeting and Continuing Education Program.
We’re actively seeking speakers with fresh perspectives and practical insights in veterinary law and medicine. If you’re interested in presenting, I invite you to reach out or complete the AVMLA speaker form—we’d love to hear from you.
We’re also exploring educational sponsorship opportunities. Supporting AVMLA not only advances our mission, but also connects you directly with industry leaders, decision-makers, and the boots-on-the-ground professionals shaping the future of veterinary law.
Let’s build something meaningful together.
Get off the sidelines—get involved.
Warm regards,
Jim Wilson, DVM, JD, 2026 Program Chair and President-Elect.
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Share Your Expertise, Shape the Discussion
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Open invitation to the AVMLA Membership: I’m excited to share an opportunity to contribute to AVMLA’s Monthly Membership Meetings (MMM)—a dynamic platform for veterinary and legal professionals that has thrived since its launch in 2024.We are now accepting proposals for our 2026 program schedule.
The MMMs are designed to spark collaboration, address industry challenges, and deliver practical insights tailored to our members. If you’ve attended before, you’ve seen firsthand the value in connecting with peers and gaining actionable knowledge.
Share Your Expertise, Shape the Discussion
We’re inviting you to bring your unique experience and insights to the forefront. Would you consider joining us as a guest speaker panelist?
AVMLA’s invited panelist generally consists of leading experts like Rob Simpson, DVM, JD; Jordan Tayce, DVM, JD; Lance Rosa, DVM, JD; Jim Wilson, DMV, JD; Bonnie Lutz, Esq; and more.
As a panelist, you’ll:
- Share your expertise with an engaged network of professionals.
- Be featured prominently in MMM promotions and the AVMLA News Brief.
- Contribute to meaningful discussions that directly benefit the veterinary and legal communities.
We’d also like to hear your perspective on the value you’ve gained from your participation in our Monthly Membership Meetings and if you are a current member of the AVMLA. Your testimonial can help us highlight the benefits of our community and inspire others to join.
What’s Important to You?
We also want to ensure our topics resonate with our members. What challenges are you facing, and what insights would enhance your practice? Here are some ideas for discussion:
- Veterinary contract negotiations
- Liability defense strategies
- Veterinary drug regulations
- Practice sales and acquisitions
- Ethical considerations shaping the industry
If you’re interested in participating as a panelist, please click here.
Grow the AVMLA Community
Know someone who would benefit from AVMLA’s resources? Invite colleagues, students, or peers to attend. As a panelist, you’ll also receive an exclusive invitational guest link to share. Our MMMs are a perfect introduction to the connections and insights AVMLA offers.
Best regards,
Debra Hamilton
Chair, AVMLA Membership Meeting Committee
| | AVMLA Monthly Members Meeting | | |
AVMLA Upcoming Member Meeting, September 23, 2025, 8PM, ET
Join us on September 23, 2025, for an engaging and informative VCPR discussion. Bring your questions and expertise to exchange ideas with the AVMLA community.
REGISTER NOW! (This event is only for Tuesday, September 23, 2025.)
| | Veterinary Bills of Interest | | |
ROYAL CANIN U. S. A., INC., ET AL. v. WULLSCHLEGER ET AL - A bill introduced in Maine would permit chiropractors to treat animals without first obtaining a referral from a veterinarian. The Maine Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) has voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over animal safety, and the measure has now been referred for additional legislative review.
Record No. 1437-23-4 - In Salem v. Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine (2025), the Virginia Court of Appeals upheld the suspension of Dr. Ayman Salem’s veterinary license after finding substantial evidence that his treatment of several dogs endangered their health and violated professional standards. The court rejected his arguments, noting he failed to preserve the issue of expert testimony and that the Board’s findings were supported by the record.
No. 3:23-cv-00249 - In Thompson v. Woodbury Veterinary Hospital, No. 3:23-cv-00249 (M.D. Tenn. 2025), the court addressed claims by Caitlin Thompson, a former veterinary technician, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for unpaid travel time and retaliatory discharge under the Tennessee Public Protection Act (TPPA). Both parties' motions for summary judgment were denied, as genuine disputes of material fact remained regarding her employment status and entitlement to compensation.
No. 2:24-cv-00349-SDN - In Ms. Tiger v. Paws Animal Adoption Center (D. Maine, 2025), the court addressed claims regarding alleged mistreatment and neglect of animals at the adoption center. The case highlighted disputes over proper veterinary care and facility management, with the court considering whether the defendants met the applicable standards for animal welfare.
No. 2 CA-CV 2023-0205 - In Achelle Renee Westerman and Paul “Bryan” Westerman v. Timothy E. Ernst et al. (Ariz. Ct. App., Div. 2, 2025), the court addressed a dispute over the division of ownership interests in the Tierra del Sol property in Maricopa County, Arizona. The Court of Appeals affirmed the defendants’ rights as trustees under their respective trusts, rejecting the Westermans’ claims to alter the established undivided interests.
Civil Action No. 24-2046-KHV - In KetoNatural Pet Foods, Inc. v. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. (D. Kan., 2024), the U.S. District Court considered a class-action lawsuit alleging that Hill’s Pet Nutrition misrepresented its pet food products. The court addressed claims concerning labeling, marketing practices, and potential consumer deception under applicable federal and state laws.
Court of Appeals Case No. 24A-PL-82 - In Lafayette Rentals, Inc. v. Low Cost Spay-Neuter Clinic, Inc. (Ind. Ct. App., 2024), the Indiana Court of Appeals addressed a dispute between a rental company and an animal welfare clinic involving contractual and property issues. The court reviewed both parties’ cross-appeals and issued a decision clarifying their respective rights and obligations under the agreements at issue.
UPDATE: While there’s no formal legislative concern flagged around telehealth fraud, Florida House Bill 198 introduces criminal penalties for individuals falsely claiming to be licensed veterinary professionals. This is part of a broader effort to address potential fraud in veterinary telehealth. The bill passed unanimously in the House and now awaits a Senate vote.
HOUSE BILL 198 – FLORIDA
Introduces criminal penalties for individuals falsely claiming to be licensed veterinary professionals, part of a larger effort to address veterinary telehealth fraud. The bill passed unanimously in the House and awaits a Senate vote. Read More
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Do you have a case that you'd like to see covered?
Send it to us, and we will feature it in a future AVMLA News Brief
| | 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! | | |
American Veterinary Medical Law Association | AVMLA.org | |
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