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

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 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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