Appointments, Membership Matters, and More
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Dr. Andrew Fidler to Lead
Animal Health Division
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced that Dr. Andrew Fidler will serve as Animal Health Director and State Veterinarian within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Dr. Fidler has served as the State Veterinarian since October 2025.
The "announcement by Governor Sanders reflects our efforts to professionalize animal health services, reduce bureaucracy, and place veterinary expertise at the center of animal health decision-making,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Dr. Fidler’s
expertise will help us better serve producers, streamline processes, improve coordination, and protect Arkansas’ animal agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 58 percent of all agricultural cash receipts in the state.”
“The strength of Arkansas agriculture depends on the health and resilience of our livestock and poultry sectors,” said Dr. Fidler. “I look forward to leading our top-notch staff in supporting resilient animal health systems and the animal industries that promote food security, economic prosperity, and public health for Arkansans and our partners.”
As Director of Animal Health and State Veterinarian, Dr. Fidler will assist the Department in fulfilling its mission to safeguard human and animal health, assure food safety and quality, and promote Arkansas’ livestock and poultry industries for the benefit of the state’s citizens. He will work closely with producers, licensed veterinarians, and the public on animal health issues and disease prevention programs.
In addition to his duties as Director of Animal Health and State Veterinarian, Dr. Fidler serves on the Arkansas VMA Board of Directors. We congratulate him on his recent appointment.
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Information
Driving Growth: Arkansas VMA Membership Matters Campaign
The Arkansas VMA recently wrapped up its Membership Matters campaign, and we are thrilled with the results. Our collective voice is stronger than ever thanks to the 10 members who joined in May and the 15 members who signed up in June. Welcome to the ArVMA family!
As an added bonus for the campaign, any member who joined or renewed during May was entered to win a complimentary registration to the Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) in September.
We are excited to announce our winner: Dr. Keith Cooper from Cooper's Mobile Veterinary Service in Sheridan. Congratulations, Dr. Cooper—we look forward to seeing you represent Arkansas at SWVS!
Board of Directors Update
The Arkansas VMA is pleased to announce the election of two new alternate trustees to our Board of Directors.
Congratulations and welcome to Dr. David Holt (owner of Ozark Animal Hospital), who will serve as the District IV Alternate Trustee, and Dr. Jason Ross (owner of Star City Animal Hospital), who joins us as the District VII Alternate Trustee. We appreciate your dedication to the Arkansas VMA and the veterinary community!
📸 Spotted: ArVMA in District II & IV
Dr. Conner addresses District IV attendees
Mr. Bruce Hawkins with District II attendees
Our Arkansas VMA representatives and the DBH Management team were out and about this June! The crew traveled to District II (Mtn. Home) and District IV (Barling) Legislative Meet & Greets to catch up with members and discuss the latest in Arkansas veterinary medicine.
Connect and Network in District V
We are finalizing the details for an upcoming District V Legislative Meet & Greet. This will be a fantastic chance to catch up with your colleagues from Pulaski and Saline counties and to meet our new partners from DBH Management Consultants.
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: TBA
Location: Whole Hog
Full details and registration info will be released soon.
The ArVMA Political Action Committee (PAC) is a non-partisan committee that directly supports legislators and policymakers who advance the issues that matter most to Arkansas veterinarians.
Currently, about 30% of your ArVMA dues are dedicated to lobbying efforts and keeping our profession protected at the Capitol. However, dues cannot legally be used for campaign contributions.
To give our new lobbying firm, DBH Management Consultants, the teeth they need to win tough legislative battles and ensure veterinary medicine speaks with a strong, unified voice, we must fuel the ArVMA PAC. Please consider contributing.
Open your smartphone camera and scan the QR code to donate
Or click here to contribute securely online
🔍 Relief Vet Directory:
Help Us Keep it Accurate
The Arkansas VMA Relief Veterinarian Listing is one of our most utilized member resources, and we want to ensure it stays current!
Are you a relief vet? Email us today to get your name listed on our website.
Change of plans? If your name is currently listed but you no longer offer relief services, please reply to this email so we can remove your listing.
