What’s to come at AAHA: December 2025

This holiday season, AAHA has gifts for everyone! Whether you’re cozying up to the fire listening to our latest podcast or buckling down for a webinar, we’ve got you covered. 

Webinars 

Social Media & Making Strong Recommendations for the Modern Veterinary Team   

Saturday, December 6 @ 9:00 AM MST 

Sponsored by Zoetis 

Today’s veterinary teams face increasing pressure to manage not only exceptional medical care, but also their practice’s public image, online reviews, and the rise of misinformation on social media. This workshop blends expert-led presentations, real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and live Q&A to deliver practical, actionable tools you can use immediately. 

Learn more and sign up here. 

The $10 Hamster Isn’t the Problem – Your Mindset Is   

Tuesday December 9 @ 12:00 PM MST 

The problem isn’t the $10 hamster it’s the belief that ZooMed (exotics) can’t be profitable. This session turns that myth on its head. If you’ve ever felt that exotic pet medicine is a financial drain or that clients won’t pay for quality care, it’s time to look at the data and rethink the mindset. From nationwide surveys of rabbit owners showing spending levels comparable to dogs and cats, to findings from the latest Synchrony 2025 Lifetime of Care Study that shows 42% of small companion animal pet owners say their pet is a family member. The truth is clear: ZooMed clients are emotionally invested, resourceful, and ready to pay for care in moments that matter. 

The barrier isn’t client willingness; it’s undervaluing the standard of care. When veterinary teams apply the same quality of diagnostics, imaging, hospitalization, and surgical care to exotics that they routinely offer to dogs and cats, both outcomes and revenue improve. Real-world case comparisons reveal that a “band-aid” approach to GI stasis might generate a few hundred dollars, while a full standard of care plan can multiply revenue and significantly improve prognosis. This presentation challenges outdated assumptions, proves the financial and ethical value of excellence in exotics medicine, and provides clear, actionable strategies to elevate both patient care and practice profitability. 

Learn more and register here. 

Beyond Google: AI’s Impact on Veterinary Marketing   

Wednesday, December 17 @ 12:00 MST 

How are pet owners finding your practice? Just a year ago, the answer was simple: Google. Today, that’s changing fast. Pet owners are rapidly adopting new AI tools to choose veterinary services, and this shift represents one of the biggest marketing opportunities—and risks—for practices. Are you prepared for it? 

Join marketing expert Bill Schroeder in this must-see live session as he demystifies AI’s role in veterinary marketing. You’ll move beyond the buzzwords and get real-world, practical information on how to build a program that harnesses the power of AI. This session is packed with examples you can apply immediately to ensure your practice doesn’t get left behind in the new age of AI. 

New AAHA Oncology Guidelines 

The 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines, publishing on January 2, will provide primary care veterinary teams with the tools and resources they need to effectively navigate oncology cases with evidence-based recommendations and easy-to-reference charts.  

“AAHA is thrilled about this much-needed update of the Oncology Guidelines. Primary care veterinarians are often the first to recognize cancer in pets, and these guidelines equip primary care veterinary teams with the knowledge and tools to navigate oncology cases, from diagnosis to client communication, to referral and treatment. The field of oncology has seen incredible advances over the past several years, and our Oncology Guidelines help practitioners make sense of it all, in addition to providing pragmatic and accessible guidance on the very important role primary care veterinarians play in creating the best possible outcomes for pets and families,” said Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, AAHA Chief Medical Officer 

Want to get a preview of what the Guidelines look like? You can read more here.  

The 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats are generously supported by CareCredit, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, and Zoetis. 

Upcoming podcasts episodes 

We’ve got two episodes in December, in our Dec. 4 episode (out now for AAHA members on our LMS). We talked with Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett about exit strategies. Everything from planning, deciding how and when to sell, and other options other than selling to large corporate consolidators. In our Dec. 18 episode, we chat with Chelsie Estey, DVM, the Chief Medical Officer at Hill’s about the Hill’s 2025 State of the Shelter Adoption Report.  

Photo credit: © Kwangmoozaa via Getty Images Plus 

Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.