American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

A convention of veterinary surgeons in New York in 1863 led to the foundation of the United States Veterinary Medical Association. There were 40 delegates from seven states in attendance. It was created to serve as a resource for veterinarians across the country, and began publishing a review. In 1889, the name was changed to the American Veterinary Medical Association, and in 1900 its review's name was changed to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. By 1913, the AVMA had 1,650 members; today there are over 75,000 members. The AVMA serves the veterinarians who care for the nation's millions of pets of all kinds, as well as those who serve in medical research, prevention of bio and agro terrorism, food safety, and those who contribute to scientific breakthroughs throughout the world.

Animal Poison Control Center

(888) 426-4435

Since 1978, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has been the premier animal poison control center in North America. The center, an allied agency of the University of Illinois, is the only facility of its kind, staffed by 25 veterinarians — including nine board-certified toxicologists (seven have both American Board of Toxicology and American Board of Veterinary Toxicology certification) and 13 certified veterinary technicians. Located in Urbana, Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners and specific analysis and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products, and substances 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF)

Founded in 1995, The AKC Canine Health Foundation is currently the largest nonprofit funder of exclusively canine research in the world. The foundation works to develop significant resources for basic and applied health programs with emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners. The foundation funds research and supports canine health scientists and professionals in their efforts to study the causes and origins of canine disease and afflictions in order to formulate effective treatments.

PennHip for Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia

PennHip stands for University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program, and is a not-for-profit program. It involves a special technique that assesses the condition of a dog's hips to determine the severity of current or developing hip dysplasia. The information is saved in a database which continues to grow and serve veterinarians trying to understand and treat this condition.