Building Public Understanding—One Conversation at a Time
Launching January 2026, NMVMA’s public awareness campaign will shine a light on how veterinary professionals protect more than pets—we safeguard public health, agriculture, and community well-being.
This multi-year, digital-first campaign will meet New Mexicans where they are—online, in classrooms, and at community events—to strengthen trust and understanding of veterinary medicine’s essential role in healthy communities.
🌟 Why This Campaign Matters
When the public understands what veterinarians do, they value—and defend—the profession.
This campaign is designed to:
- Build trust between veterinarians and New Mexico communities.
- Increase awareness of the profession’s impact on animal and human health.
- Inspire youth to consider veterinary and animal-related careers.
- Strengthen advocacy, ensuring the public looks to NMVMA and veterinary professionals for credible guidance on animal welfare and policy.
⚠️ The Bigger Picture: Why Acting Now Matters
In Colorado, Proposition 129 sought to redefine veterinary care by expanding who could legally diagnose and treat animals. Though it didn’t pass, it exposed a serious gap: the public didn’t fully understand what veterinarians do—or why their training matters.
That’s what we’re working to prevent here in New Mexico. By proactively educating and engaging our neighbors now, we build the public trust needed to:
- Protect the integrity of veterinary practice.
- Ensure New Mexicans turn to NMVMA and licensed veterinarians for trusted information when future policy debates arise.
Public understanding = Professional value = A stronger future for veterinary medicine in New Mexico.
🐕🦺 What to Expect
- 6 signature events throughout 2026, reaching youth, families, and pet owners.
- Partnerships with schools, local media, and community organizations.
- Low-cost, high-impact activities—led by NMVMA staff and volunteers.
- Opportunities for every member to help, from online sharing to in-person outreach.
💪 Get Involved
This campaign is powered by The Power of We—and that means you.
Join us as an NMVMA Micro-Volunteer to lend your time and talents in ways that fit your schedule. Whether it’s helping at a local event, mentoring students, or amplifying posts online, your participation helps protect veterinary medicine’s future in New Mexico.