Advocacy

The AAEP is a source of resources and expertise for federal and state advocacy efforts on issues impacting the horse or and the equine veterinarian. The AAEP works closely with organizations such as the AVMA, state and provincial VMAs, and the American Horse Council to promote the voice of the profession. Below are some of the our priorities in 2025:

• Mid-level Practitioner/Veterinary Professional Associate
  • AAEP opposes establishment of a mid-level practitioner, or veterinary professional associate (VPA). Learn more here.
• Scope of Practice (dentistry, chiropractors)
  • A veterinarian’s scope of practice is determined by state/province laws and regulations. AAEP opposes efforts that would allow non-veterinarians to practice veterinary medicine. Learn more here.
• Horse Protection Act (HPA)
  • The HPA is a federal law that prohibits sored horses from participating in shows, exhibitions, sales or auctions. It also prohibits the transportation of sored horses to or from any of these events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is postponing the effective date of the Horse Protection Act final rule to February 1, 2026, and taking public comment on the delay. AAEP supported the HPA, and provided comments to USDA during development of the final rule and on the delay.
• Xylazine
  • Efforts to restrict the use of xylazine are happening at the state and federal level. Veterinary access to legitimate xylazine must be preserved while combating the emerging public health threat of illicit xylazine. Learn how you can help.
• Telehealth/Telemedicine
  • The AAEP supports the establishment of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) as defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association and does not support establishment of such a relationship solely by electronic means. Learn more here.