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. It was created to serve as a resource for veterinarians across the country. In 1889, the name was changed to the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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 who contribute to scientific breakthroughs through-out the world.

American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360 www.avma.org

Animal Poison Control Center

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 twenty-five veterinarians and thirteen certified veterinary technicians. Located in Urbana, Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners and veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products and substances twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

(888) 426-4435 www.aspca.org

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 diseases in order to formulate effective treatments.

www.akcchf.org

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 conditions of a dog's hips to determine the severity of current or developing hip dysplasia. The information is saved in a database that continues to grow and serve veterinarians trying to understand and treat this condition.

www.pennhip.org