Providing LIVE IN PERSON Continuing Education
LIVE Veterinary Conference Practicing Health & Safety Together!
Please follow these health and safety protocols with us to make this conference great!
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Join us in practicing social distancing during the conference, including the talks, in the Exhibits area, and all other areas. Please do not congregate in groups.
WASH HANDS
Please wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds. Hand sanitizing stations are available.
WEAR MASKS (optional)
All attendees, speakers and exhibitors may wear masks for the duration of the conference at the their discretion and not required unless the facility requires it. Employees are required to wear masks at all times.
CLEAN and SANITIZE
We are frequently cleaning high-touch areas throughout our properties.
FACILITY
Guests will find disinfecting stations with wipes and hand sanitizer available throughout our properties. Additionally, both public and Team Member areas are cleaned at scheduled intervals, including hourly maintenance of high-touch areas like elevators and bathrooms. All guest rooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guests.
Click Here to Download the Brochure!
"A Great Fall Conference in Asheville, North Carolina"
For Hotel Reservations: Rates start at $169 plus any applicable taxes or fees and guaranteed until October 8th, 2023
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Call our toll-free number 1-844-330-0296 (24/7) and mention Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2023 in order to receive the special group rate.
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For in-house reservations guests can call our local number during normal business hours 828-285-2603 and mention the group name, Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2023.
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Book online at www.ashevillecp.com
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Check Availability (enter dates of stay)
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Enter Group Code: RLC
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Below is the link you may use to automatically add the group code when booking online (not mobile compatible):
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Ralph Lee's Vet Conference 2023
November 9 - 12, 2023
Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina
Speakers
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies
Louise Dunn, Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting
Carol A. Ferguson, DVM, Veterinary Services Manager, Ceva Animal Health, LLC - USA
Richard Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM
Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO - NC Physicians Health Program
Dr. Linda Messinger, DVM, Diplomate ACVD
Robbie van Mullem, President, 3 Sided Media / Review Retrievers
Liza Wysong Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM)
Welcome Reception TBA at 5 - 6 pm with Complimentary food and drinks
Sponsored By ...
To all Alabama attendees, this Conference has been approved by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Board
To all Florida attendees, this Conference has been approved by the Florida Veterinary Medical Board
To all West Virginia attendees, this Conference has been approved by the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Board
On-Site Registration is Now Available!
You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or
click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!
Register before October 1st, 2023 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
Tentative Schedule
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Wednesday, November 8, 2023Registration Open 4-8pm (Laurel Foyer)
Thursday, November 9, 2023 |
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Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)Continental Breakfast 8am (Biltmore Foyer)Exhibit Hall Open 8am (Blue Ridge)Welcome Reception 5 - 6pm |
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Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am: Introduction to Veterinary Medical Herbalism (1.5 hr) This lecture will go over the basics of medicinal herb use in western veterinary practices. The concept of Evidence-based Medicine will be introduced. We will discuss how herbs can be used in terms of physiology, treatment modalities, safety and interactions. There will be cases presented. 10:30 am - 11:30 am and 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: “Simple” Herbal Extracts (2 hr) An “Herbal Simple” is a single herb remedy, as opposed to a tincture that contains multiple herbs to treat an ailment. Herbal Simples address specific medical conditions effectively. In this talk, many easy to use Herbal Simples will be discussed along with their corresponding disorders. 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Specific Herbal Formulas for Vague Conditions (2 hr) This talk will cover herbal formulations that I have created to treat specific and nonspecific conditions, such as heart murmurs, elevated liver enzymes, allergies, urinary disorders and more. These formulas cover many symptoms of each condition treated, so multiple medications are not needed. |
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Louise DunnSnowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting |
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm |
Leadership Creating A Culture Of Adaptability And Accountability Description: Pivot – Pivot. For those who watched the TV series “Friends,” Ross screaming to pivot is a funny sitcom moment. If you are in the workplace, being told to pivot is not amusing, nor is it always a welcomed change to your day. However, having a team that can pivot when faced with a crisis (such as a pandemic) is beneficial. Tack on accountability, and you have something sought after and desired by colleagues and competitors alike. Learning Objectives: - Boost flexibility and accountability in your team - Communicate effectively when needs for pivoting arise - Identify culture “killers” in the workplace HR When There Is An “I” In Team Description: We have all heard it, probably even said it a time or two – “There is no ‘I’ in Team.” Is it fair to say that the individual does not exist on a team? Of course not. A team is made up of individuals. A team harnesses the power of the skills, knowledge, and abilities of all of those individual “I’s” into a cohesive, high-performing group that can perform faster, stronger, and smarter than any single individual. Learning Objectives: - Employ team building tips for creating a high-performing team - Clarify management’s role in building the team - Recognize when it is time to replace team members Operations Don’t Hire More People – Optimize Your Workflow Description: The solution sounds simple – you are busy, so you decide to hire more people. The only problem is that bringing on more people sometimes does not solve the "busyness" problem. The first step should be improving efficiency, optimizing workflow, and then deciding if you need to hire. Learning Objectives: - Identify workflow trouble spots - Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the team - Effectively utilize change management techniques to improve efficiency HR If McDonald’s Can Do It, We Can To – ROI for New Hires Description: Hiring in this current business environment can be challenging. Making a new hire “pan out” can be even more difficult. With all the hiring and training expenses, the faster a new hire can become a productive and efficient team member, the better the ROI. By providing specific tools to recruiters, new hires, and trainers, you can improve your new hire ROI. Learning Objectives: - Determine the cost-benefit of hiring a new team member - Tailor the hiring and training process for efficiency - Foster a culture that encourages career growth HR How To Make The Training Headache Go Away Description: We all know the benefits of a well-trained team. We all make an effort to incorporate training into the fabric of the business – from training a new hire to training on a new procedure or process. And we all become frustrated with the headaches caused by the need to train – from designing to implementing to evaluating. Identify and fix the weaknesses in your training program to make the headaches go away. Learning Objectives: - Assess your training program for strengths and weaknesses. - Create a training plan that is successful for any number of training situations. - Determine the best appraisals, coaching, and performance enhancement strategies. Operations Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Learning, Hybrid Art – Why Not Hybrid Veterinary Teams? Description: Hybrid is the buzzword for everything from cars to learning to art. So why not welcome hybrid veterinary teams into your business model? A hybrid team may be more than having a few current team members work remotely; it can expand to a workforce that includes remote independent contractors working with your team. There are many options, and one may be right for your practice. Learning Objectives: - Define tasks and roles that can be remote - Select the most effective and efficient way to get the task done - Position your team to include in-house, remote, and independent remote contractors |
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Carol A. Ferguson, DVM, Veterinary Services Manager, Ceva Animal Health, LLC - USA |
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm |
Title: Updates in Pancreatitis: Innovation and PANOQUELL-CA1 (1 hour) Description: This presentation will review canine pancreatitis pathophysiology as well as the mechanism of action of the leukocyte-function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) inhibitor, fuzapladib sodium for injection (PANOQUELL-CA1). Attendees will learn the current theories associated with the pathophysiology of pancreatitis in dogs, the role neutrophilic inflammation plays in pancreatitis in dogs, and the role LFA-1 inhibition plays in arresting the inflammation associated with acute canine pancreatitis. Title: Canine Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease: The Spironolactone Story (1.5 hour) Description: This presentation is a practical, clinically relevant review of the latest updates in the diagnosis and management of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. Recent data, including the 2021 BESST study and 2019 ACVIM guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs, will be discussed along with tips and resources that can be used in daily practice to improve compliance. |
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Welcome Reception at 5 - 6 pm - with Complimentary food and drinksSponsored By Zomedica
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Friday, November 10, 2023Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)Exhibit Hall Open 8am-4pm (Blue Ridge) |
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Topics |
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Dr. Linda Messinger, DVM, Diplomate ACVDSponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Science |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am: Ditching the Itch with a Happy Skin Barrier 10:30 am - 11:30 am: What Ails the Paws and Claws 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Quick and Easy Tips to Maximize Success with your Derm Patients 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Extra, Extra Hear All About It... Hot off the Press Veterinary Dermatology Topics! |
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Liza Wysong Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM) |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10 am (1.5 hrs) : Principles of Transfusion Medicine 10:30 am - 11:30 am (1 hrs) : IMHA for the Veterinary Technician 1 pm - 2:30 pm (1.5 hrs) : Ins and Outs of Blood Pressure Measurement 3 pm - 4:30 pm (1.5 hrs) : CPR: The RECOVER Initiative |
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Louise DunnSnowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting |
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am |
Marketing/Communication the New Face of Our Profession, Clients, and Team Description: The pandemic year had veterinary hospitals making changes almost daily – from patient care to client service to team and business operations. Some of these changes are no longer necessary, but others were so well-liked, even transformative, that they are now standard operating procedures for most practices. Did these changes alter the veterinary business model? Or are they simply a passing fad? How has the face of clients, team members, and the profession changed? Learning Objective: - Assess the value of new patient care and client service trends for your practice - Analyze the potential of team changes to improve efficiency and quality of care - Determine which industry trends will most likely impact your business operations Finance Top Tips to Talk to Your Clients About Money Description: We have all been there - that uncomfortable conversation with a client about the cost of their pet's medical care. Sometimes the conversation goes ok, other times, well, we have all been accused of being in it for the money by an upset client. Is there any way to prevent "the money talk" from spiraling into nasty accusations that leave you feeling frustrated and upset, and do nothing to help the client-vet relationship? Give your team the tools to talk to your clients about money that gets a five-star satisfaction rating by clients. Learning Objectives: - Strengthen your understanding of client perceptions - Empower the client during the money talk - Help your team understand the value (and cost) of what they do - Optimize a marketing about money plan utilizing your website and social media platform Finance Practical Understanding of Financial Reports for A Nonfinancial Person Description: There comes a time when the team needs to know some numbers, especially those involved in managing or coordinating operational activities. Upskill those key individuals and move them from managing in a fog to having clarity for making decisions and improving business performance. Learning Objectives: - Boost your understanding of key financial reports - Determine key metrics for your specific area of responsibility - Enhance your ability to use this information to make better business decisions |
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Robbie van Mullem, President, 3 Sided Media / Review Retrievers |
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm |
5 Easy Steps to Reach New Clients Through Your Clinic Website and Social Media Synopsis: Our discussion will center around the generation gap, and how different generations view websites and social media; examine keywords and phrases to ensure your website is found on an internet search engine; discuss how the search engine Google impacts your practice and more. Each of these topics will be addressed in a fast-paced, interactive presentation. How Social Media Can Help You Stand Above Your Competition. Looking at trends in the veterinary market. We will examine the trends and look at the different types of social media your clinic should use and what to avoid. |
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Saturday, November 11, 2023Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)Exhibit Hall Open: 8am-4pm (Blue Ridge) |
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Richard Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am: Vaccines and Vaccinations 10:30 am - 11:30 am: Rabies Awareness 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Tick Borne Diseases 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Antibody Testing |
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Liza Wysong Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM) |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10 am (1.5 hrs) : Diabetes Mellitus 10:30 am - 11:30 am (1 hrs) : Monitoring the Diabetic patient -OR- sponsored BI Diabetes talk 'Discussing Diabetes Mellitus' 1 pm - 2:30 pm (1.5 hrs) : Adrenal Disease: Highs and Lows Part 1 3 pm - 4:30 pm (1.5 hrs) : Adrenal Disease: Highs and Lows Part 2 |
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Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO - NC Physicians Health Program |
See Topics |
Drug intervention in the workplace - Recognizing substance use disorders in the workplace (accepted for required 2 hr opioid course)
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Sunday, November 12, 2023 |
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8:30 am - 11:30 am |
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Please Note The Following:
*Times and Presenters Subject to Change
* Please turn off or silence cell phones in sessions
On-Site Registration is Now Available!
You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or
click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!
Register before October 1st, 2023 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
Speaker Bios...
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS
Dr. Dohmen has received training in Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Bach Flower Essences, and most extensively Western Herbs. She received her Masters of Therapeutic Herbalism from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2014. She was accepted as a Registered Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild in 2020.
In 2013, Dr. Dohmen downsized her integrative mixed animal practice in southern Delaware. She is now a full-time continuing educator and lectures regularly on Western Herbal Veterinary Medicine, and other wholistic topics. She is published frequently in journals such as the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal.
Dr. Dohmen is the Past President of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and is on the Editorial Board of the AHVMA Journal. She also owns Lowood Educational Center in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a holistic educational venue.
Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies
Richard Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM
Dr. Richard Ford is Emeritus Professor of Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University.
A graduate of Ohio State University, Dr. Ford practiced small animal and equine medicine prior to completing the internal medicine residency at Michigan State University. He taught internal medicine at Purdue University and North Carolina State University.
He is Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is an honorary Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Ford was the Lead Editor of the 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and was a co-author on the AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines from 1998 to 2013.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Ford spent 28 years with the US Air Force as a Biomedical Scientist. He retired from the USAF Reserve as a Brigadier General, where he was assigned to the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General at the Pentagon.
Linda Messinger, DVM, Diplomate ACVD
Dr. Linda Messinger is a practicing board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Apex Veterinary Specialty Services in the Denver metro area. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Cornell University. After veterinary school, Dr. Messinger completed a one-year small animal internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and then a dermatology residency at the University of Florida.
Dr. Messinger has been board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) since 1993. She has lectured on veterinary dermatology to a variety of professional and lay groups, both internationally and nationally. She has been involved in several clinical trials, many of which were to help patients with allergies.
In addition, Dr. Messinger is currently on the ACVD Program Committee which reviews all the abstracts for the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum. She enjoys all areas of veterinary dermatology. Her pet family includes dogs, fish and too many cats.
Sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Science
On-Site Registration is Now Available!
You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or
click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!
Register before October 1st, 2023 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
Exhibitors At The Conference
Please visit these Exhibitors at the Conference to see the latest and best products and services for your veterinary practice: Coming Soon
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3 & One Veterinary Advisors |
3 Sided Media |
Banfield |
Care Credit |
Ceva |
Midwest Veterinary Supply |
MicroVet Diagnostics |
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Noxsano |
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Science Inc |
Pet-Genex, Inc. |
Purple Moon Herbs and Studies |
ServiceVet Technologies |
Simmons & Associates South East |
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Soniquence |
Southeast Medical Books |
Vet Assured/The Natural Vet |
Vet Specs, Inc. |
Virbac |
Click here to download the Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veterinary Conference Exhibitor Contract
Conference Hotel Information
Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville
Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC is more than just a peaceful mountain retreat...
"With a privileged location just a mile from downtown Asheville, our hotel makes a convenient home base for exploring the area. From whitewater rafting to museums, plenty of excitement awaits our hotel's guests. In Asheville, NC, the spectacular Biltmore Estate is a must-see, while a Gray Line trolley tour offers an interesting look at the city's history. We are just minutes from the excellent dining and shopping at Grove Arcade. Elegant facilities and an ideal location make us "The Place to Meet" in Asheville. ..."
For Hotel Reservations: Rates start at $169 plus any applicable taxes or fees and guaranteed until October 8th, 2023
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Call our toll-free number 1-844-330-0296 (24/7) and mention Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2023 in order to receive the special group rate.
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For in-house reservations guests can call our local number during normal business hours 828-285-2603 and mention the group name, Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2023.
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Book online at www.ashevillecp.com
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Check Availability (enter dates of stay)
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Enter Group Code: RLC
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Below is the link you may use to automatically add the group code when booking online (not mobile compatible):
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Ralph Lee's Vet Conference 2023
On-Site Registration is Now Available!
You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or
click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!
Register before October 1st, 2023 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
Area Information
The Biltmore Estate (Photo Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com )
Asheville, North Carolina
"Asheville is that type of unique, special place that lingers sweetly in your mind and memories for years to come. The city's rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is the perfect retro-urban backdrop to the edgy energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and art galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues. Known as an art colony, a healing resort and a home to notable luminaries, statesmen and bohemians, Asheville is one of the most welcoming, vibrant cities in America."
Discover Asheville, N.C. at https://www.ExploreAsheville.com. And remember who you really are. Because there's more to life than the climb. There's the view that takes your breath away, the refreshing mountain air and the fresh flavors of the Blue Ridge. (Video Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com )
Fall Foliage near Asheville, North Carolina (Photo Courtesy of Cynthia L. Drury)
The Groove Arcade in Asheville (Photo Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com )
Fall Foliage near Asheville, North Carolina (Photo Courtesy of Cynthia L. Drury)
On-Site Registration is Now Available!
You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or
click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!
Register before October 1st, 2023 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2023) |
||
One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |