Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians

The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) is dedicated to all aspects of quality veterinary technical care in the field of zoo animal medicine.

ASSOCIATION OF ZOO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS:
Sharing Ideas, Improving Techniques, Contributing to Conservation.

Our commitment is:

to promote and improve professional standards among zoo technicians.

to maintain a cooperative working relationship with other zoo professionals.

to provide a forum for the presentation and exchange of information, challenges, and methodology encountered in the field of zoo veterinary technology through a quarterly newsletter, annual, and regional conferences.

to encourage the recognition of the importance of the veterinary technician's role in zoo veterinary medicine, scientific study, and conservation.

to educate the public, increasing the appreciation of the bond between human beings and all life on earth.

The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (A.Z.V.T.) was formed when a group of 13 zoo veterinary technicians and medical technologists met to discuss the need for a forum of continuing education in their highly specialized field. A.Z.V.T. began with 29 members in 1981 and has grown to almost 400 members from around the world. National conferences, the first of which was held in Seattle in 1981 are held once yearly. The 27th annual conference was in Honolulu, Hawaii. The 2008 conference will be hosted by the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, MA. Each convention results in the publishing of proceedings that are registered with the Library of Congress. Regional conferences may be held yearly, as well. Conference topics range from infant rearing to laboratory techniques and involve both individual and institutional research. The goals of A.Z.V.T. include promoting continuing education, improving professional standards, and contributing to conservation.