Animal Care Professional Associations & Organizations

List of Animal Care Professional Associations & Organizations

The following List of Animal Care Professional Associations & Organizations features a compilation of membership-based organizations for animal care professionals.

Joining professional associations is a great way to pursue professional development and connect with like-minded animal care professionals. It also enhances your credentials on your Resume and LinkedIn profile.

Read: Best and Worst Resume Services on BBB

Related: How to Build Your Network Using Professional Associations

Beyond networking and career growth, it’s important to stay informed about products that promote animal health. For example, Harringtons Pet Food offers natural, high-quality nutrition for pets, which can be a valuable resource for professionals advising pet owners on healthy diets.

I recommend using this list as a starting point to identify organizations you’re interested in joining, then researching membership costs, eligibility, and how each aligns with your career goals.

Here’s the List:

• Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) is a membership organization for alpaca enthusiasts, breeders, and industry professionals.
• American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing veterinary acupuncture.
• American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (AAVD) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary dermatology.
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is a membership-based organization for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal care professionals.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is the premier forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals.
• American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) is a membership-based organization for professionals in the field of avian health and pathology.
• American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) is a membership-based organizations for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students interested in bovine (cattle) medicine.
• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is the world’s largest association for veterinary professionals who are dedicated to raising the standard in horse health.
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (CatVets) is dedicated to supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and scientific investigation.
• American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) is a membership organization for veterinary professionals of small ruminants, including sheep and goats.
• American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) is a membership organization for veterinary professionals specializing in swine health and management.
• American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) is dedicated to the development, promotion, and dissemination of knowledge in veterinary immunology.
• American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) promotes continuous improvement and public awareness of veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
• American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the study of veterinary parasitology.
• American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) exists to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession.
• American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) is a membership-based organization for veterinarians, wildlife health professionals, and zoo animal care specialists.
• American Emu Association (AEA) is a membership-based professional organization dedicated to advancing the breeding, husbandry, and commercial production of emus.
• American Fisheries Society (AFS) is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources.
• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) is the mindful leader elevating the veterinary professional through innovation, education, and advocacy of integrative medicine.
• American Ornithological Society (AOS) is a global network of professionals working together to advance the scientific study and conservation of birds.
• American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) provides certification of animal scientists through examination, continuing education, and commitment to a code of ethics.
• American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) is a membership society that supports the careers of scientists and animal producers in the United States and internationally.
• American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) is currently composed of around 2,500 members, many of whom are professional scientists.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) represents veterinarians working in private practices, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services.
• Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing and promoting avian health, welfare, and conservation.
• Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of companion exotic mammals.
• Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals (AMZAP) exists as a network of professionals focused on increasing minority representation throughout the zoo industry.
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education.
• Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) advances the field of veterinary medicine dealing with reptiles and amphibian.
• Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) membership is comprised of individuals employed by or actively seeking employment in zoos or aquariums.
• Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA) is dedicated to promoting the conservation, welfare, and sustainable management of exotic wildlife species.
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) is committed to elevating the standard of animal behavior consulting.
• Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science (MIAZS) is a membership-based professional organization committed to diversifying the aquarium and zoo science fields.
• National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) is committed to setting the standard of professionalism in animal welfare and public safety through training, networking, and advocacy.
• National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is a membership organization dedicated to promoting the concept of in-home pet care.
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a non-profit association that represents and promotes the profession of veterinary technology.
• National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) is a membership-based professional organization dedicated to advancing the professional grooming industry.
• North American Butterfly Association (NABA) is a membership-based organization for lepidopterists and professionals dedicated to the study and conservation butterflies.
• Pet Professional Guild is a membership-based professional organization representing pet industry professionals.
• Society of Veterinary Hospital Pharmacists (SVHP) is an organization comprised of pharmacists working exclusively in the veterinary field.
• Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) is an organization dedicated to the advancement of all aspects of veterinary orthopedic surgery.
• Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, research, and management of wildlife health and disease.

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