The USDA has provided a pet travel bulletin with key tips, an APHIS pet travel website for USDA accredited veterinarians, a Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) help page, and more valuable information for veterinary professionals to use when preparing and issuing health certificates.
Category: Newsletter
2024 Hawaii Legislative Update
The 2024 legislative session is up and running! Several introduced bills may have direct impacts on veterinary practice in Hawaii. Here are the bills we are watching:
- HB2086 / SB2749 RELATING TO HEALTH. Requires the administrator of the narcotics enforcement administration to make an emergency scheduling by placing xylazine into schedule III on an emergency basis. [HVMA working to include a veterinary use exemption]
- HB1527 / SB2562 RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE. Prohibits animal owners and their employees from performing any surgical procedures on the owner’s animal or animals. Prohibits the elastration, or castration via banding, of a pet animal. Provides that a violation of the prohibitions is a class C felony. Clarifies that the offense of cruelty to animals in the first degree does not apply to accepted veterinary practices and cropping or docking as customarily practiced when the procedures are performed by a licensed veterinarian.
- HB1580 RELATING TO ANIMAL CRUELTY. Amends the criminal penalties for various animal cruelty offenses by increasing the category of offense
- SB2114 RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS. Prohibits the feeding of feral animals within a certain distance from Department of Education public school campuses; establishes fines
- SB2564 RELATING TO PET ANIMALS. Prohibits insurers from refusing to issue, refusing to renew, canceling, or establishing higher rates for a homeowners insurance policy or dwelling fire insurance policy based on the breed of any dog that is kept on the premises. Requires any pet animal found on the premises during an eviction to be given to the owner or taken in by an animal control agency. Limits the monetary amount of pet deposits and pet rent. Clarifies that a provision allowing a lien on an animal to secure payment for caring for or feeding the animal does not apply to pet animals.
- SB2692 RELATING TO DANGEROUS DOGS. Establishes requirements and penalties for owners of dangerous dogs. Allows for impounding of dangerous dogs under certain conditions.
Please keep an eye out for calls to submit testimony on these bills in the near future. We will send out an alert once any of the bills that may impact veterinary practice are scheduled for a hearing. At that time testimony may be submitted online at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.
2024 Veterinary Leadership Conference Materials
The following resources have been made available by the AVMA in light of several critical issues that have the potential to make a significant impact on the delivery of care to patients, the structure of the veterinary profession, and veterinary medicine as a whole. These resources include:
- Veterinary Information Forum (VIF) presentations
- House Advisory Panel presentations
- Workforce, Mid-Level Position & Telemedicine and VCPR backgrounders
Links:
AVMA Update – January 2024
AVMA is seeking member feedback on proposed updates to the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME). Your voice matters! Submit your comments by March 4th, 2024 (you must be an AVMA member to access).
We encourage you to pay particular attention to Section A, Part 4, Emergency Care, starting on line 151. The final wording may impact your own work life because in Hawaii, a veterinarian’s license can be revoked for failing to uphold the recognized principles of veterinary medical ethics adopted by both the HVMA and AVMA (HRS 471-10 (12)). Staying informed and engaged in shaping these guiding principles is crucial for protecting your practice while ensuring the highest ethical standards for animal care in our unique island community. Take action today by reviewing the draft PVME and sharing your feedback.
The House of Delegates met on January 4-6, 2024. Several resolutions were passed, updating and revising current policies ranging from pet loss support to animal safety. You can find the details here.
AVMA has also published informative backgrounders on three hot topics in vet med: telemedicine and the VCPR, the veterinary workforce shortage, and the organization’s position on creating a mid-level practitioner position that would overlap duties of veterinarians and technicians. You can learn more on the AVMA blog.
If you would like more information or have feedback for AVMA, feel free to reach out to one of us directly.
Carolyn Naun (Hawaii Delegate)
Jenee Odani (Hawaii Alternate Delegate)
Letter from the President – January 2024
70th Annual Business Meeting
As I write this message, the new year is just beginning, and I find that it’s a time for reflection on the past and looking forward to new accomplishments in the future. The HVMA annual conference last November was a success thanks to the hard work of Dr. Yoshicedo and the conference committee. The dance party after the Saturday dinner was so much fun!
The HVMA has a busy year planned for 2024. We will be tracking animal-related bills this legislative session and will share more information in the next few weeks. We are also going to continue disaster planning with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Later this year, we will be electing new officers to the board, so if you are interested or have a great nominee in mind, please let us know!
Please renew your membership early this year and encourage your colleagues to join as well. The benefits of HVMA membership can be found here. Please share the HVMA scholarship application with any current veterinary students that you know.
In closing, I hope that 2024 sees that you and your loved ones have new happiness, new goals, and new achievements!
Jenee Odani, DVM, DACVP
HVMA President
HVMA President
2024 HVMA Scholarship
Applications are currently being accepted for the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association 2024 Scholarship. Full-time students enrolled in any AVMA-accredited doctoral program of veterinary medicine that have graduated from a high school in Hawaii are eligible for the $1000 scholarship. Applications due by March 15, 2024. Download the application here.
Letter from the President – October 2023
HVMA President
Aloha fellow veterinarians!
We are coming up to one of my favorite times of the year: the annual HVMA Conference!
Apart from the great CE sessions that have been organized, the conference also represents a time where we can see old friends and meet new members of our veterinary community. If you haven’t yet registered, please do so! And if you have already registered, please encourage other veterinarians that you work with to register as well. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary staff are all welcome!
As our organization and the profession continue to evolve, please let us know what directions you’d like to see us take, or feel free to discuss issues that are important to you with us. Your island representatives and board members are here to listen. There are many opportunities for participation on our committees if you’d like to increase your level of involvement as well.
One thing that the recent wildfire tragedies on Maui have shown us was how quickly veterinarians are willing to stand up to help animals in need and each other. So many of you have volunteered your time and donated supplies and funds to help efforts on the ground; I struggle to find the words to adequately describe the collective greatness you have shown. Going forward, however, we need evaluate what we have learned and find ways to improve our statewide emergency readiness. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months!
Hope to see you all soon!
Jenee Odani, DVM, DACVP
HVMA President
AVMA Update – Oct 2023
Are you looking to get more involved in influencing the future of the veterinary profession? AVMA has opportunities for you! Here are some action steps you can take right now:
- A wide range of leadership positions are currently available. If you’re interested in volunteering some of your time, visit https://avma.org/volunteer for details.
- Registration for the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC) 2024 is now open! Join us January 4-6 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. Whether you are just beginning to explore the possibilities, are already an experienced leader, or anywhere in between, workshops are available to hone your skills and strategies, and you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded people throughout our amazing profession.
As the charitable arm of the AVMA, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) provides veterinarians and veterinary students with charitable resources and programs that advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. AVMF gave an initial $20,000 to Maui Humane Society and $10,000 to Greater Good to help with wildfire rescue and recovery efforts, and has raised an additional $25,000 which can be allocated as needed. If you were impacted or have incurred out-of-pocket expenses to help on Maui, it’s not too late to apply for support!
- Disaster Emergency Veterinary Medical Care Reimbursements are available for veterinarians providing care to animal victims of a disaster. Covered expenses may include medical supplies, medications, diagnostics, and housing for patients. Up to $5000 is available per clinic/AVMA member. You have up to nine months after the disaster to apply.
- Individual Disaster Reimbursement Grants for Veterinarians and Veterinary Students can provide up to $2000 for those who were personally impacted, for the purpose of providing for emergency needs, such as food, water, clothing, temporary housing, transportation and other basic necessities.
If you would like to apply for funds, please visit https://avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/disaster-relief
If you would like to contribute to this or other AVMF programs, you can make a tax deductible donation at avmf.org.
With aloha,
Carolyn Naun (she/her)
AVMA HOD Hawaii Delegate
Notice of 70th Annual Business Meeting
The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Business Meeting (HVMA Hui) will be held on Saturday November 11, 2023 from 12-1pm at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel Prince Jonah Room. All veterinarians are welcome to attend, though only active members are permitted to vote. You do not need to be a conference attendee to come to the Hui.
The Bylaws Committee has proposed a change to Article 3, Section 3, regarding Special Meetings. This section currently reads:
“Special meetings may be called by the Chairman or by any three Members of the Board by submission of written notice to each Member of the Board at least fifteen days prior to each meeting. A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business.”
To allow for more timely response to emergency situations and acknowledge technological advances in modes of communication, the proposal is to change Article 3, Section 3 to read:
“Special meetings may be called by the Chairman or by any three Members of the Board by submission of uniform written notice, including electronic communication, to each Member of the Board at least 24 hours prior to each meeting. A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business.”
Updates on Pet Transport Off Maui
Updated Aug 17, 2023 – All information posted here is subject to change
USDA APHIS has provided the following information for transporting pets off Maui.
Maui Humane Society
Maui Humane Society is providing free health certificates and free air kennels for residents that need them to leave the island.
OGG to HNL only
Kamaka Airlines – possible discount on flights
OGG to Continental USA
– Alaska Airlines – OGG to Seattle and LAX. Assisting with Maui shelters relocating pets. They recommended shelter groups send them a request. They are considering discount requests to pet relocation groups.
– Hawaiian Airlines – OGG to SEA and LAX (non-stop flights, no kennel limitations); OGG to SFO and SAN (non-stop with max 28” height kennels)
HNL to LAX
– Pacific Air Cargo – book through IPATA Pet Transport Company
– Aloha Air Cargo – book through IPATA Pet Transport Company; accepts giant breeds, also flies to Seattle
– American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark) – PetEmbark@aa.com; 1-800-227-4622, (only between HNL and continental US)
Local IPATA Pet Transporters
Island Pet Movers
– www.islandpetmovers.com/contact (please fill out inquiry)
– exotic pets, cats and dogs, fish on case-by-case basis
– discount Aug 15-25, OGG to HNL to LAX, $65 to HNL, $225 to LAX (100-500 size kennel); no breed restrictions to LAX
– other mainland locations $375 – $575, airport and breed restrictions apply
– utilizing Kamaka Air and Pacific Air Cargo
– crates and health certificate exams discounted 30%
Tails of Hawaii
– 808-676-9663 option 3
– tailmovers@tailsofhawaii.com
– Exotic & pocket pets, potbelly pigs, cats and dogs, birds, NO fish
– may offer discount for moves on case-by-case basis, submit request to
tailmovers@tailsofhawaii.com
– offering discount on health certificate issuance in HNL for those impacted by Maui wildfires
REMINDERS FOR VETS
Category I Accredited Veterinarians authorized through our National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) are NOT able to issue health certificates for pet birds or pet pot-bellied pigs. Those animals would need to be examined by a Category II Accredited Veterinarian. If AV’s have more questions as to which Category they are authorized, to please refer to the following website and feel free to reach out to the local NVAP Coordinator: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/nvap/ct_category1-2
For pets going to the mainland US, please issue a rabies vaccine certificate.
Further VEHCS information and guidance:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/vehcs-info
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