Enjoy this MEGA Edition of CVMA's Monthly Newsletter

Member Spotlight

CVMA U offers premier premier face-to-face and online courses to advance expertise while earning six (6) RACE approved CE hours per successful completion of each course. Stay up-to-the-minute with current, relevant information presented by renown experts in the field of veterinary medicine. Attendees are sent electronic student notes provided by the instructor. 

2026 is a Licensing Renewal Year

Register for in-person and online courses today

CVMA U Real-Time Online Course



Internal Medicine in Real Life:

Practical Strategies for Your Toughest Chronic Cases 

Presenter: Kelly Cairns DVM, MS, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) 

Six (6) RACE-approved credit hours

Three two-hour real-time sessions at 12:30pm - 2:30pm CT

Session dates: #1-October 7, 2026 | #2-October 14, 2026 | #3:October 21, 2026 

Completion date: October 21, 2026

Needed:  Computer and high speed internet

Not needed: Automobiles, trains, planes...gasoline

NOTE: If a session cannot be attended, the registrant may request the recording

This course is designed for general practitioners who want practical, confidence-building approaches to liver disease, hyperadrenocorticism, and chronic kidney disease. Across three interactive 2-hour sessions, how to diagnose these conditions efficiently, avoid common mistakes, and implement treatment strategies that actually move the needle for patients will be covered. Each session blends evidence-based guidelines with real-world tips, case examples, and communication strategies you can put to use the next day.

REGISTER TODAY

CVMA U Online "On-Demand" Course

Emergency and Critical Care for the General Practitioner

Presenter: Caroline Tonozzi, DVM, DACVECC



Date and Location: Take whenever you like, wherever you like

Needed:  Computer and high-speed internet

Not needed: Automobiles, trains, planes...gasoline  

Six (6) RACE-approved credit hours

ECC in veterinary medicine provides urgent and life-saving care for animals. This course will cover the following Emergency and Critical Care topics for the general practitioner:  

Identifying shock and developing a fluid therapy plan, emergency respiratory techniques and anesthesia considerations, Interpreting ECGs in the ER, gastric dilatation volvulus, pyometra, and post op care of the neonatal patient. MORE AND REGISTER

2026 CVMA U Course Schedule

Below is the schedule of CVMA U online and in-person courses for 2026. Learn more. Register for multiple courses and receive course discounts. Please contact Kayla at kmarshall@chicagovma.org or call 630.325.1231 if you would like assistance. 

October 7 Real-Time Online Course – Internal Medicine in Real Life: Practical Strategies for Your Toughest Chronic Cases 

Presenter: Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) 

November 11 – Oncology  

Presenter: Timothy M. Fan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM    

December 16 – Radiology*

Presenter: Marc Lee, DVM, DACVR 

Any day; any time: Online, On-Demand Course – Emergency and Critical Care for the General Practitioner

Presenter: Caroline Tonozzi, DVM, DACVECC

REGISTER TODAY 

Course fees are tax deductible in accordance with the law.



*Those attending the December 16 course will be having a special lunch in recognition of CVMA's 130^th Anniversary/Annual Meeting.

Registration Starts Today

2027 Feline Dental Wet Lab

Presented by

Stephen Juriga DVM, Dipl. AVDC

Muhammad Jawad ul Hassan, DVM

Eight (8) RACE-approved credit hours

January 9, 2027

Location: Joliet Junior College

This course is limited to the first twenty (20) registrants

Participate in this unique opportunity that combines a lecture and wet lab covering recognition of oral pathology, dental radiology, dental nerve blocks, instrumentation, and a step-by-step approach to surgical extraction therapy for feline patients. Learn to prevent and overcome common complications root fracture, and retrieval of fractured root(s). Some self-study information is shared with registrants prior to the event. 

REGISTER NOW

Announcing CVMA U's 2027 Course Schedule

CVMA is excited to roll out its 2027 course schedule to continue offering veterinary best-in-class education to veterinary professionals. We welcome you to make your choices to stay current on topics covering diverse areas of the veterinary world. Six in-person, three Online, Real-Time, and five On-Demand courses—to which more will be added throughout the year—are available. We have opportunities to fit all learning needs and styles. Take a look and make your choices for 2027.

IF NOT A MEMBER, DO NOT WAIT. JOIN TODAY AND GET THREE FREE MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP AND RECEIVE COURSE DISCOUNTS AND MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS.

Membership and course fees are tax deductible in according with the law.

VetConnectChicago Prestige Partner

Use the CVMA order discount code

to save money on your supply needs

Synergy Surgical, CVMA's Prestige Partner, helps veterinary hospitals and clinics reduce supply costs without compromising quality by offering premium devices including sutures, skin staplers, surgical mesh, and a broad selection of OEM surgical devices. They offer competitive pricing and same-day shipping with no contracts or minimum order requirements.

Sign into the member portal to find their CVMA order discount code. If needing portal entry assistance, contact Kayla at kmarshall@chicagovma.org

SYNERGY SURGICAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

In collaboration with CVMA 

CVMA extends appreciation to our Prestige Partner for providing Synergy Surgical Scholarships to CVT candidates and to veterinary students at University of Illinois. They understand the value of education and the importance of the future of veterinary medicine. 

The scholarships will be presented at the 130th Anniversary Recognition Luncheon/Annual Meeting on December 16. See the Save the Date section of the newslettter for more information 

Membership

Value-Added Benefits for Members

CVMA is pleased to bring you Value-Added Member Benefits found in the member portal in the Member Benefits file. These benefits cover mental health assistance, attorney and business services discounts, technical supplies, vacations, more.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. If you or a family member would like to speak with a professional regarding mental health needs, CVMA offers a complementary member mental health program which may be accessed in the Member Portal.

Make the most of these added benefits. For assistance to enter the Member Portal, contact Kayla at kmarshall@chicagovma.org or call 630.325.1231.

CVMA Veterinary Technician (VT) Program

CVMA's Veterinary Technician (VT) program focus is to spread awareness of the importance of the VT in the field of veterinary medicine, to be an advocate of fairness to the profession, and to supply relevant education opportunities for their professional development.

During 2026, the special Introductory VT Membership rate is $45. Discounted course rates are available to our VT members. VT members receive valuable CVMA benefits. Membership for students in an accredited VT program is complimentary.

Full list and explanation of membership benefits. 

Synergy Surgical Scholarships

Recognizing the essential role that Veterinary Technicians have in the field of veterinary medicine, CVMA is pleased to announce its collaboration with our prestige partner, Synergy Surgical, to offer Synergy Surgical Scholarships to provide funding to Veterinary Technicians planning to take the VNTE by June 2027. 

This program will be rolled out during Veterinary Technician week—October 18-24. Specific requirements will be available at that time with an electronic application packet to be completed. Those receiving the scholarships will be notified by December 1. Stay tuned for more information.

Vet Tech Tip of the Hat 🎩

CVMA recognizes the essential role that Veterinary Technicians (VTs) have to help their veterinary team, owners, and pets. CVMA is requesting tributes that recognize specific Technicians for their contributions to the field.  CVMA will do a Tip of the Hat to five of the top candidates with the tributes shared during Veterinary Technicians' Week on October 18-24. The five VTs will receive a complimentary 2026 course. Submit a tribute.

VT Topics of Interest

VTs work in collaboration with veterinary teams for the welfare of animals. Some specialize in specific areas and some have diverse responsibilities covering many types of needs. Below are articles of interest to VTs and to entire veterinary teams. For more articles, see the general Articles of Interest section in this newsletter and visit the Library. If you have written an article or have one to share, please send it to Kayla at kmarshall@chicagovma.org.

Can probiotics protect the gut during antibiotic therapy? Veterinary professionals are often asked if probiotics should be administered during antibiotic therapy and whether they truly improve patient outcomes.

How to Place Nasogastric and Nasoesophageal Feeding Tubes Indications, contraindications, potential complications, and placement techniques for nasogastric and nasoesophageal feeding tubes as well as maintenance and troubleshooting tips are shared.

Lameness Caused by Canine Osteoarthritis of the Digits Digital osteoarthritis may be overlooked in dogs because its clinical signs can be subtle.

Cytology of Skin Masses Cytology can help distinguish benign from malignant skin masses and guide further diagnostics.

Epistaxis in Dogs Learn about common local and systemic causes of nosebleeds in dogs and how they can overlap.

Maximizing Air Flow Through Stenotic Nares via Ala Vestibuloplasty Ala vestibuloplasty can improve airflow in brachycephalic dogs by surgically enlarging stenotic nares.

Reading Electrocardiograms An overview of how ECGs record and display the heart’s electrical activity.

Feline Herpesvirus-1 An overview of feline herpesvirus-1, a common cause of respiratory and ocular disease in cats.

5 Questions for a VTS Diagnostic Imaging Specialist Megan Gonzalez, CVT, VTS-DI, discusses her career in veterinary diagnostic imaging and how the specialty supports patient diagnosis and care.

Dispelling Pet Nutrition Myths Explore common pet nutrition myths and how veterinary professionals can help clients make evidence-based dietary choices.

Urinary Catheter Placement in Female Dogs Tips for overcoming the anatomical and practical challenges of placing urinary catheters in female dogs.

Emergency Management of Urethral Obstruction in Male Cats Urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency in male cats requiring prompt recognition and treatment.

Stabilization of Patients with Pleural Effusion Prior to Referral Rapid stabilization is critical for patients with pleural effusion to support breathing before referral. Collaboration between the veterinarian and VT is very important.

Feline Chronic Pain Assessment Learn how validated pain-assessment tools can help veterinary teams recognize and manage chronic pain in cats.

Government affairs are vital for veterinarians and VTs to shape regulations affecting animal welfare, public health, and practice operations, including drug licensing, and controlled substance compliance. Involvement ensures veterinary expertise influences policies on zoonotic diseases, food safety, and environmental health. Members having an interest in participating on Government Affairs Committee should contact Michele Cohen at mcohen@chicagovma.org.

Recently Enacted Laws in Illinois

HB 4540 — Companion Animal Custody Equity Act When there is a fight over possession of a companion animal, this act will consider the animal's wellbeing and the parties' caregiving relationship to the animal vs. just "ownership of property."

SB 2891 — Animal Shelter Adoption Info This law establishes significantly stronger requirements surrounding shelter/animal-control adoption. 

SB 3213 — Electronic Prescriptions Effective January 1, 2027, this law allows a pharmacy to transfer a prescription at the patient’s request, including Schedule II prescriptions. Controlled substance prescriptions must be filed electronically with pharmacies (II-V), with few exceptions. 

Federal Government Affairs

USDA Screwworm Playbook

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing a new roadmap outlining how the agency will regularly review the New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act in the Federal Congress Xylazine is an FDA-approved animal sedative critical to facilitating the safe handling and treatment of many animal species. The House Energy & Commerce Committee voted unanimously in July 2026 to advance the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. To show your support of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, contact your member of Congress about supporting legislation to preserve veterinary access to this drug.

Pet Travel from the United States to Mexico As a result of New World Screwworm cases documented in the United States, Mexico has introduced new rules regarding the import of dogs and pet birds from the U.S. that went into effect on August 3, 2026. 

Minor Use and Minor Species (MUMS) Blueprint for Success The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has developed a 3-year blueprint aimed at modernizing minor use and minor species programs and incentives.

Poultry Owners: Report Sick Birds Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a deadly poultry disease that spreads quickly. If you see any sign of illness in your birds, report it immediately to your State veterinarian or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



Animal Exportation Veterinarians are often in the front lines of animal exportation situations. The live animal export information located on the APHIS website is updated regularly and may be viewed at the History of Requirement Updates for Live Animal Exports page. Questions may be directed to your local Veterinary Services service center.

Animal-Human Bond

One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach--working at local, regional, national, and global levels - to achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes--recognizing the interconnections between people, animals, plants and their shared environment. We work together to stay healthy.

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is celebrated annually on September 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention. It also marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine. Help owners stay informed. Educating owners is a key to healthy and happy pets and owners.

Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines Working dogs are heroes. A toolkit was developed by AAHA to help veterinarians care for these dogs.

A. Learn the special needs and jobs of working dogs and understand the difference between working, assistance, and therapy dogs.

B. Look at the situation from the handler or trainer’s perspective Give them the benefit of the doubt and trust them for subtle observations that veterinary teams may miss. They may depend more on this dog’s health than the average pet owner would.

C. Keep everyone safe and decrease stress Low stress handling.

D. Minimize disease transmission and injury to others.

E. Keep these animals safe to allow them to keep others safe.

Complete toolkit.

Veterinary Care for Cats of Low-Income Seniors The second year of grant-funded Pets to the Vet is in place. This innovative program helps low-income seniors receive essential veterinary care for their pets where they reside. The Touched by an Angel Sanctuary coordinates and funds mobile veterinary visits at senior residential facilities providing check-ups including a wellness examination, nail trimming, and basic vaccines. This is in recognition of the importance of keeping people and their pets together to preserve the bond. 

The Human-Pet Deep Bond A deep, two-way relationship between people and animals helps the health and well-being of both. Humans and pets often release oxytocin, a chemical in the brain linked to love and happiness when they spend time together. Vets focus on this bond to care for both the physical and mental health of the animal and owner.

For humans, the bond:

• Lowers stress, anxiety, and blood pressure.

• Lowers the risk of heart disease and helps people heal after a heart attack.

• Gives people unconditional love and support during hard times. 

• Helps people stay active

• Helps people feel less lonely 

Pets also have a powerful, scientifically proven impact on mental health. In fact, 86% of pet owners report that their animals have a mostly positive impact on their mental well-being, according to data from the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

130th Anniversary Recognition Luncheon/Annual Meeting

Date: December 16,2027 | Time: Noon-1:30pm

Location: Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center

In honor of the Anniversary, CVMA is proud to officially roll out the

Veterinary Technician (VT) Program--moving forward together to the future

In collaboration with CVMA, Surgical Synergy Scholarships will be awarded to

Veterinary Technicians and to University of Illinois Veterinarian Students 

Special guests:

Dr. Peter Constable, Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois Leaders of Illinois Veterinary Technician Schools

Anthony Laderosa, Synergy Surgical President 

A zoo resident animal

YOU

Enjoy the company of colleagues and celebrate the past and the present. Lunch included for registrants attending the Radiology Course on December 16. Lunch only fee: $30

Course Registration

Luncheon Only Registration



Comparison of Current Fecal Examination Techniques for Diagnosing Parasites in Companion Animals Traditional and newer fecal testing methods for detecting intestinal parasites in dogs and cats are compared including their strengths and limitations.

Algorithm: Diagnosing and Treating Feline Infectious Peritonitis Before prioritizing diagnostic tests for FIP, it is critical to adequately rule out diagnostic differentials that may mimic FIP.

Reviewing Common Emergencies of Backyard Poultry This article reviews the most common emergencies of backyard hens, including treatment options.

Top 5 Corneal Diseases in Aging Dogs The cornea becomes increasingly susceptible to degenerative and inflammatory diseases as dogs age. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can preserve vision and ocular comfort in geriatric dogs.

Large Language Models Demonstrate Variable Diagnostic Performance and a Systematic Risk of Undertriage in Surgical Triage of Feline Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures Large language models identify cats with fractures that require surgery.

Spotlight on Vitreoretinal Surgery The surgical approach to treating glaucoma in dogs has potential benefits for controlling eye pressure and preserving vision.

The 60-Second Check That Can Change Outcomes for HCM Patients A simple at-home check can help owners monitor cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and recognize concerning changes early.

Complications of Bandages in Cats A study of 152 cats examines the frequency, severity, and risk factors for complications from external bandaging.

Fourth Human Case of "Rabbit Fever" Confirmed on Long Island Amid Decade-High Tick Activity Four human cases of tularemia have been reported on Long Island in 2026, highlighting important zoonotic considerations for veterinary teams.

Adequan Injections for Dogs and Horses Recalled Nationwide After Glass Fibers Detected Four lots of Adequan injections for dogs and horses have been recalled nationwide after glass fibers were detected in testing.

Top 5 Causes of Proteinuria in Dogs & Cats Common causes of proteinuria exist in dogs and cats, and abnormal protein levels can indicate kidney disease.

Clinically Important Abnormalities Are Common in Senior Cats Perceived to Be Healthy by Owners The study found that senior cats considered healthy by their owners often had significant clinical or diagnostic abnormalities.

Improvements in Knowledge and Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales Transmission in Companion Animals Will Strengthen Prevention Across the One Health Spectrum Explore the growing threat of CP-CRE in companion animals and strategies for improving detection and prevention.

A Veterinarian's Guide to New World Screwworm Cases, Treatment, Reporting, Response in the US, & More This is a practical guide to recognizing, treating, reporting, and responding to New World screwworm cases in the U.S.

Lick Granulomas Review the common causes, diagnosis, and treatment of lick granulomas in dogs, with an emphasis on addressing the underlying cause.

Of Eggs and Proglottids: How to Identify Common Cestodes of Dogs and Cats Learn to identify common tapeworm species in dogs and cats to guide treatment, prevention, and zoonotic risk communication.

Epistaxis in Dogs Nosebleeds in dogs can have specific causes that can be remedied through a diagnostic approach and treatment.

Recognizing Infectious Disease on Cytology Cytology and blood-smear examination can provide a rapid, minimally invasive way to detect infectious diseases in veterinary patients.

Anesthetic Strategies for the Dental Patient Dental care for small animal veterinary patients requires high-quality anesthesia and pain management. Dental patients often have significant comorbidities along with their need for dental care, continuing into the geriatric period.

Algorithm for Diagnosing Acute Blindness in Dogs Acute blindness in dogs is an emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes.

Blood Smear Review: How to Identify and Interpret Neutrophil Abnormalities Learn how manual blood-smear review can identify neutrophil abnormalities that automated analyzers may miss.

See more articles in the CVT Corner of VetConnectChicago.

Practice Resources

Veterinary Practice Resources

Practice resources optimize clinic efficiency, safeguard team well-being, and drive profitability. Streamlining workflows and expanding access to care, practices support their staff, reduce turnover, and can deliver high-quality medical care to patients.

Just One Thing: Check Your Digits Veterinary practices should check their online contact information and make sure clients can easily find accurate practice details.

How to Perform a Veterinary Software Audit in 90 Minutes Review a quick process for reviewing practice software to identify unnecessary tools, overlapping systems, and opportunities to reduce costs is in place.

Your Veterinary Practice’s Best Marketing Tool Is Free A well-maintained Google Business Profile can improve a veterinary practice’s online visibi Ality and attract

new clients.

Lead Better, Lose Fewer Veterinary Employees Leadership strategies can improve employee engagement, strengthen workplace culture, and reduce staff turnover.

Best Practices to Attract and Keep Top Talent Practical strategies exist that veterinary practices can use to attract skilled employees and improve staff retention.

Space: The Final Frontier in Surgical Efficiency The layout of surgical prep, operating, and recovery areas can improve workflow and surgical efficiency.

Management of Online Reputation Veterinary professionals own their reputation. AVMA has created a toolkit includes information to empower them to protect their reputations, prevent and combat cyberbullying, respond to cyberbullying situations, and support team well-being.

Discussing Costs With Empathy Empathy in a veterinary cost conversation is the deliberate practice of organizing information so that the client can hear it, weigh it, and act on it.

Pet Insurance Specialist Studies show that clients with insurance are more likely to pursue treatment plans and get advanced care for their pets. A Pet Insurance Specialist at a practice could bridge this gap which could boost client trust, treatment, and revenue.

Mentorships are Meaningful Effective mentoring is key to attracting and retaining veterinary professionals.

Making the Case for a Resurgent U.S. Independent Veterinary Practice Segment: A SWOT analysis This SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of independent veterinary practice reveals that a thriving independent practice segment still provides a deeply satisfying career and a viable living.

Are Worker Cooperatives an Alternative to the Corporatization of Vet Med? Worker cooperatives are potential alternatives to corporate veterinary ownership with employees sharing ownership and decision-making.

Yard Chickens

What is a Lash Egg? All You Need To Know & More What is a Lash Egg? All You Need To Know & More The Lash egg-- caseous exudate--is a thickened tissue mass encased in a shell made when a hen's oviduct is inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection, salpingitis. Lash Egg is not actually an egg but is an indication of a life-threatening infection. 

Backyard Poultry Keeping backyard poultry can be fun, educational, and provide food for humans. However, owners should be aware that poultry can sometimes carry harmful germs that make people sick. These germs can cause illnesses in people ranging from minor skin infections to serious illnesses that could cause death. For instance, outbreaks of Salmonella is common. Other diseases spread are Campylobacteriosis, E-coli, Bird Flu, and Histoplasmosis. Veterinarians can educate owners providing the comprehensive CBC information. 

Exotic Pets

Exotic pets are rare, unusual, or non-domesticated animals kept as companions. Laws vary in states and municipalities regarding bans on specific species due to safety concerns. Some carry zoonotic diseases that may be passed on to humans. Veterinary professionals can educate owners on how to best care for their exotic animal pets. Some exotic pets should be examined by a veterinarian once annually to ensure wellness and to provide medications/vaccinations when needed. Two exotic pets are turtles and ferrets.

Turtle Care Aquatic turtles do not enjoy being handled frequently. Pet parents of new turtles should give them a few days to adjust to their new homes prior to handling them. Reptiles are potential carriers of infectious diseases which can be transmitted to people. Therefore, owners and others should wash their hands prior to and after touching the turtle or its habitat.

Aquatic turtles should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year for a physical exam, fecal testing, and blood work. Although turtles tend to hide illnesses, common turtle illnesses exist as well as symptoms which would require veterinarian attention. 

Ferret Care Ongoing ferret care is required to ensure the pet can lead a happy, fulfilling, and healthy life. A vet visit should be arranged as soon as a ferret is adopted. At the initial checkup, the vet will inspect the ferret for signs of illness and will recommend certain vaccinations, including a rabies vaccine and a canine distemper vaccine. 

A pet ferret requires an annual vet visit. During these appointments, the vet will perform a thorough physical exam and may take blood samples to get a better idea of the pet's current health. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for maintaining the well-being of pet ferrets. Common ferret illnesses exist and require immediate medical attention.

CVMA is committed to fostering the next generation of veterinary professions. The support includes guiding students as they navigate their educational goals and connecting aspiring veterinarians with professional development opportunities and mentorship. Our members represent the best in the field of veterinary medicine and realize the importance of sharing their experiences and expertise with those who will be the future of veterinary medicine. CVMA has a Student Center, which is a centralized hub of tools, guidance, and opportunities designed to support students throughout their education. 

University of Illinois Student Representative Report

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is excited to welcome everyone back for another academic year! Our fourth-year students are continuing to work hard through their clinical rotations, and we are incredibly proud of all they are accomplishing as they prepare for graduation. Our third-year students (including current CVMA representative, Becca Chenoweth) are about to begin one of the most exciting milestones in the curriculum...Junior Surgery! Throughout the year, students will perform spays and neuters on shelter dogs and cats under faculty supervision, gaining invaluable hands-on surgical experience while serving the community.

Second-year students are gearing up for a challenging but fascinating year filled with many of the "-ology" courses, including toxicology, virology, epidemiology, bacteriology, and more, building the foundation for their clinical training. Finally, U of I is excited to welcome the Class of 2030! After an engaging orientation week, our first-year students will officially begin their veterinary school journey. We look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead. --Becca Chenoweth, U of I Student Representative to CVMA

Hot off the Presses: U of I Scholarships

Synergy Surgical Scholarships in collaboration with CVMA will be awarding scholarships to U of I veterinary students who have shown strength in academics, provided community support, submit a strong essay on a topic regarding their direction and the field of veterinary medicine, and intend on practicing in the Chicago area upon graduation. Stay tuned for more inform

The CVMA Pet-Loss Helpline is a complimentary program for grieving pet owners. Trained volunteers retrieve messages from the owners and call to offer support by active listening as well as providing printed materials and referrals when needed. This program was formed in 1992 with the purpose of creating a resource for people grieving the loss of their pets. Many of the current Helpline volunteers are long-term advocates

Pet-Loss Sympathy Card 

CVMA provides unique Pet-Loss sympathy cards for practices to distribute to owners whose pets have passed. Proceeds from the sale of the cards provide funding for the Pet-Loss programs. The cards reflect that a donation has been made in memory of the pet. Cards include space for personalization and information about the Pet-Loss Program. For more information and pricing, contact Kayla at kmarshall@chicagovma.org.

Dr. Mary K. Baukert CVMA Pet-Loss Helpline

The program is actively seeking volunteers to help with this unique initiative developed in 1992 by Dr. Mary Baukert. To learn more about the opportunity to be a Pet-Loss Helpline volunteer, contact Dr. Tara Czepiel, DVM, DACVO at taraczepiel@gmail.com or call 630.479.3066.

Partnerships

2027 CVMA Partnership Opportunities

CVMA values our partners and focuses on visibility, spreading their word, reaching their strategic directions, and connecting them with a highly engaged audience. CVMA has raised the bar on its partner opportunities offering exclusive partnership opportunities tailored to make a lasting impact. 

Partners benefit from:

✅ Prime brand visibility

✅ Direct engagement with attendees

✅ Promotion across our marketing channels

Whether launching a new product, building brand awareness, or expanding reach, partnering with CVMA is a powerful way to achieve goals. For more information, please call 630.325.1231 or email kmarshall@chicagovma.org

Let's Connect

Official Facebook Page

Look for this photo on the official CVMA Facebook page and follow us.

Spread our word while spreading your own word. Make new connections.

CVMA LinkedIn Page

Visit our LinkedIn page. Communicate with others in the field of veterinary medicine.

CVMA Instagram

Follow us on Instagram. Stay connected. Visit @ChicagoVMA

CVMA Website

Visit our website at www.chicagovma.org to see more about the organization and what is happening. CVMA has a Careers and Classifieds area in which members can place classified advertisements, 2027 Partnership Opportunities, and CommUNITY. Take a look. Stay connected!

Articles included in VetConnectChicago are meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) or its Board of Directors.  

Our Mission

The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization that advances the veterinary profession through advocacy, engagement, and enrichment while protecting animal welfare and public health.

cvma@chicagovma.org | www.chicagovma.org

630.325.1231

VetConnectChicago will be on vacation in August. The next edition will be released in September with new programs and information. See you then.