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Animal Health and Veterinary Practice

Alaska Veterinary Medical Association (AKVMA)

Promoting excellence and professionalism of Alaska Veterinarians in advancing the health and well-being of animals and the public.

For more information about the Association, upcoming CE events for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, or for veterinarians interested in joining please visit the AKVMA website, email info@akvma.org, or call 907-205-4272.

Board of Veterinary Examiners

The board is staffed by the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. The board consists of four veterinarians and one public member. Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature. The board adopts regulations to carry out laws governing veterinary practice in Alaska. It makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws. The board meets three times a year and offers a public comment period at each meeting. Meeting agendas and minutes are available on the Board of Veterinary Examiners website. For additional information contact them at:

USDA Accredited Veterinarians

Accredited veterinarians are private veterinarians who receive additional training and are authorized to complete specific tasks and paperwork on behalf of APHIS. These include animal inspections, testing and certifications. Accredited veterinarians serve as the first line of defense in defending our country from emerging and foreign animal diseases. They also play a key role in facilitating live animal exports. This is important for producers, as it is another source of revenue. It is just as important for everyday citizens who want to bring their pets with them when traveling overseas. Neither of these can happen without health certificates. Accredited veterinarians are an important resource for APHIS, our nation’s livestock and poultry producers, and our country’s pet owners.

For accreditation information please contact Jennifer Owens, the National Veterinary Accreditation Program Coordinator for Alaska, at Jennifer.Owens@usda.gov, or by phone at (360) 956-7907.

Visit the USDA APHIS Veterinary Accreditation website for additional information about the accreditation program.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Requires Hard Copies of Health Certificates

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported to USDA’s National staff that many exporters are not presenting hard copies of health certificates at the Canadian border and are instead offering to show the health certificates on their tablets and phones. This is not acceptable for either imports or exports as a hardcopy, paper version of the endorsed health certificate must accompany all shipments.

Please note that paper hardcopy versions of the completed, digitally signed health certificate must be presented with shipments at all borders. There is no capability or allowance to use non-paper, electronic health certificates for any live animal imports or exports.

If you have any questions or need further information about exports, please contact the Tumwater Office at WA.Export.Animals@usda.gov.

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