Click Here to Download the Brochure!
"A Great Fall Conference in Asheville, North Carolina"
For Hotel Reservations: Room rates start at $175 + any applicable tax or fees guaranteed through October 12th, 2025. Please make room reservations as early as possible and by October 12th, 2025. The room block does fill up quickly.
Call our toll – free number 1-844-330-0296 (24/7) and mention "Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2025" to receive the special group rate.
For in-house reservations can call our local number during normal business hours 828-285-2603 Monday- Friday 9-5pm and mention the group name, "Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2025".
Click on the link you may use to automatically add the group code when booking online (not mobile compatible:)
November 12 - 16, 2025
Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina
Speakers
Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), Elite Fear Free Certified® Professional- level 3, Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), FACVBM, Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies
Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program, NC Veterinary Health Program
Talisha Moore, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Jay Tischendorf, DVM
Marie Zielaskowski, RVT, VTS (ECC)
Lunch Session
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
Online Registration is Now Open!
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 November 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
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Tentative Schedule |
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Wednesday, November 12, 2025Registration Open 4-8pm (Laurel Foyer) |
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Thursday, November 13, 2025 |
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Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)Continental Breakfast 8am (Biltmore Foyer)Exhibit Hall Open 8am (Blue Ridge) |
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Speaker |
Time |
Topics |
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Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), FACVBM, Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies |
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
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. '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. 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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Jay Tischendorf, DVM |
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm 2:45 pm - 4:30 pm |
Practical Vaccinology and Immunology for the Busy Practitioner. (4 hrs) Mud Fever! The Dangerous Resurgence of Leptospirosis. (1.5 hrs) |
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Friday, November 14, 2025Registration Open 8am (Laurel Foyer)Exhibit Hall Open 8am-4pm (Blue Ridge) |
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Speaker |
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Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), Elite Fear Free Certified® Professional- level 3, Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am : What would you do - a fun interactive case presentation part 1 10:30 am - 11:30 am : Part 2 of what would you do 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm : Diagnosis and management of otitis externa in the real world - what is new- part 1 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm : Part 2 of otitis externa 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm : Diagnosis and management of non inflammatory alopecia |
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Marie Zielaskowski, RVT, VTS (ECC) |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am : What?! I'm Shocked! Identification and Stabilization of Shock 10:30 am - 12:00 pm : GDV: From Triage to the Table 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm : Uh Oh!, a UO: Feline Urethral Obstruction 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm : Catheters: Where and When? |
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Jay Tischendorf, DVM |
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am |
Microbial Mayhem! Get SMART about Clinic Cleaning and Sanitation. |
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See Topics |
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Talisha Moore, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am : Neurologic Examination and Neurolocalization (1.5 hours) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm : Evaluation of Spinal Radiographs (1 hour) 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm : Acute and Chronic Management of Back Pain (1.5 hours) 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm : Levetiracetam as a Primary Agent? (30 min) and Midazolam or Diazepam for Acute Seizures? (30 min) |
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Marie Zielaskowski, RVT, VTS (ECC) |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am : Dystocia: To Push or Not to Push, That is the Question 10:30 am - 12:00 pm : IMHA: When the Immune System Goes Wrong 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm : One Is Not Like the Other: Understanding Rodenticides and Their Effects 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm : Do You Feel the Pressure? Understanding and Obtaining Blood Pressure Measurements |
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Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), Elite Fear Free Certified® Professional- level 3, Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian |
See Topics |
8:30 am - 10:00 am : Diagnosis and management of the pruritic dog - what is new- part 1 10:30 am - 11:00 am : Part 2 of pruritus 11:00 am - 12 Noon : Mimicry in veterinary dermatology - why dermatology can make you crazy- it isn't what it first appears to be |
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Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program, NC Veterinary Health Program |
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:30 am - 11:00 am 11:00 am - 12 Noon |
Recognizing and Dealing with Substance Abuse in the Workplace (required by NCVMB) |
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Talisha Moore, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) |
8:30 am - 11:30 am |
Seizure Medications 101 and Emergency Management of Seizures (2 hours) Common Mistakes in Seizure Management (1 hour) |
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Please Note The Following:
*Times and Presenters Subject to Change
* Please turn off or silence cell phones in sessions
Online Registration is Now Open!
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 November 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
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Speaker Bios...
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), FACVBM
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
Joseph Jordan, PhD, CEO, NC Physicians Health Program, NC Veterinary Health Program
Dr. Joseph Jordan, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Physicians Health Program, has over 30 years of experience working with persons experiencing substance use and mental health disorders.
Dr. Jordan has been with NCPHP for 17 years and is currently serving as Southeastern Director and is on the Board of Directors for the Federation of State Physician Health Programs.
Prior to joining NCPHP, Dr. Jordan served as Ethics Officer for a national credentialing board and worked in hospitals, owned and operated group and private practices, and taught at several universities.
Dr. Jordan holds national credentials in substance use disorder counseling, supervision, and mental health counseling.
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Marie Zielaskowski, RVT, VTS (ECC)
Marie Zielaskowski graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 2006 with her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology. Marie became an RVT in N.C. in 2006; she began her career practicing in general practice.
In 2010 Marie started picking up shifts at the local 24/7 emergency facility in Boone, N.C. In 2016, she transitioned to a full time technician at Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country, Boone N.C. Within a short period of her time there, she became the lead technician and shift manager for the hospital.
Between 2019-2020 Marie was successful in getting the hospital team RECOVER CPR certified in BLS and ALS. In 2020, she decided to begin the process of obtaining her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC). At the end of this 2 year process, she successfully obtained her certification as a VTS(ECC).
Marie is currently the lead technician, manager, and full time technician at Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country in Boone, N.C. She continues to maintain her RECOVER CPR certifications in BLS and ALS as well as her VTS in ECC.
In her spare time, Marie enjoys spending time with her family and being outside. They currently have one dog and two cats. This will likely increase in the near future if Marie has any opportunity to rescue. She says it is an “occupational hazard” which she embraces!
Online Registration is Now Open!
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 November 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
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What our Attendees Say!
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I just attended the Mountain Veterinary Conference and had a great time! The speakers were the same ones you see at the huge, expensive conferences but in a more intimate, affordable setting. The local area is beautiful and lots of fun to explore - I particularly enjoyed watching the elk herds cross the roads in the mornings. The Cherokee Casino was an excellent venue - easy to navigate ... read more
Katie Gies, DVM | Attendee - white.goosedvm@gmail.com
What our Attendees Say!
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I've been meaning to share my very positive review of the Mountain Veterinary Conference for months -- my apologies for not doing this sooner! The Mountain Veterinary Conference was a wonderful CE experience on all levels. There were a wide variety of high quality sessions, the setting was beautiful, the food and accommodations were excellent, and the exhibitors were helpful and informative... read more
Valerie Weiss, DVM | Attendee - vaweiss@ml1.net
What our Speakers/Exhibitors Say!
“What fun! We doubled our record for the number of copies of SMILE! sold in the first day. The relaxed atmosphere at the Fun n Sun Conference makes it easy to interact with everyone.” ... read more
Lynne Swanson, DVM | Speaker, Exhibitor - Safe Harbor Farm’s SMILE! Project
What our Speakers Say!
Thank you for having me speak this year at Sun N Fun; What a GREAT show! I have thoroughly enjoyed the kindness and hospitality shown by all. Great organization, great location, and great session topics! I urge all veterinary professionals to attend Sun N Fun next year, and not miss out on this fantastic CE event! ... read more
Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS | Speaker - jenny@practivet.com
What our Attendees Say!
I would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to Howie and all those involved in hosting the Colonial Veterinary Conference in Colonial Williamsburg this December 2015. We attended a few years ago and were sold on this meeting for our ContEd This meeting has it all! Great speakers, wonderful hotel, delicious food, kind staff and lotsa' coffee! Howie makes sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.. The biggest impression our first time here years ago was not just the speakers, topics, and location.. but the obvious love this group has for one another AND for our Lord... read more
Dr. Donna M Gage | Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TX
What our Speakers Say!
I've been a speaker for at least a dozen meetings hosted by Veterinary Association Management in the last twenty or so years. The meetings are always well organized and managed. More importantly, the attendees are always eager to learn and happy to be there. The Lee family and all the staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is very family-friendly... read more
Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, CVT, LAT | Speaker
What our Speakers Say!
Veterinary Association Management conference are intimate and interactive. As a presenter, I have the opportunity to talk about behavior issues – a significant reason for relinquishment, and also how to speak with clients about these concerns, as well as getting pets to vets, including Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices.
Steve Dale, CABC | Speaker
What our Attendees Say!
I've been going to Veterinary Association Management's Veterinary Conferences for 16 years. They are by far my favorite. The quality and choice of speakers always suits my needs. I feel that I get the most up-to-date and thorough information. Lectures focus on practical advice we can actually use - no ivory towers here... read more
Melanie Bene, DVM | Attendee
What our Attendees Say!
My family and I have always enjoyed Veterinary Association Management's (Ralph Lee's) continuing education courses. We have been attending them now for well over twelve years. We are always very delighted to attend the courses and conferences that Veterinary Management Association hosts. The benevolence of the Lee Family always shines forth, and they make my family feel more than welcome. The veterinary courses are extremely relevant to practice, and much of the information obtained can be put into effect the day we return. The speakers are of the utmost quality and ... read more
Drs. Charles and Dawn Jones | Mercy Animal Hospital, Monroe, NC
What our Speakers Say!
Thank you so much for allowing me to speak at this past weekend's Sun N Fun conference in South Carolina. It was a great experience. Howie, Martha, Dawn and the entire Veterinary Association Management team always knows how to make a speaker feel welcomed! The conference was so well organized which is a testament to the VAM team. Thank you so much for all your kindness. It was a true honoring getting to speak to the technicians at the conference. It was a great group who stayed engaged throughout! Thank you again. I hope you are all home getting to relax a little after working so hard to make the conference so successful. ... read more
Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC) | Speaker
What our Attendees Say!
I have been a veterinarian in NC since 1982. 33years. I have been getting my continuing education hours with Ralph Lee’s Veterinary Management for 28 years. My wife is a registered vet technician and we both must get yearly CE hours to continue our licenses. We have come to Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conferences for last 20 years. I appreciate through the years the dedication to providing quality continuing education year after year. We enjoy the excellent speakers on subjects that are useful in regular day to day practice; comprehensive wet labs; and very affordable CE... read more
J. Michael Beck DVM and Jane Beck VMT | Emerywood Veterinary Hospital, High Point, NC
What our Speakers Say!
I've participated in several Veterinary Association Management continuing educational meetings and they are all top notch. Each meeting has it's own look and feel. The one consistent thread is excellent speakers and great topics/content being presented. I will be planning a family vacation around Fun N Sun veterinary conference. It's a must do for anyone looking for good CE and creating great memories with the family... read more
Paul Camilo, CVPM | Veterinary Consultation Services, LLC
What our Exhibitors Say!
The Center of Veterinary Expertise has had the pleasure of participating in Colonial Veterinary conference on several levels, sponsorship, vendor as well as providing speakers over the last three year. Howie and his team always ensure a positive, warm, and successful experience. We look forward to supporting the Colonial Veterinary Conference for many more years to come.
Danielle T. Russ | LVT, BS, BA, AS, Hospital Manager, the COVE, Suffolk, VA
What our Attendees Say!
It is not a small thing when gathering your CE credits that the meetings be orderly, well presented, convenient, accessible. Cudos to the Colonial Team. It was an all-around good experience.
Rob McBrayer, DVM | Palmetto Vet Hospital, Ridgeland, SC
What our Exhibitors Say!
I have been a equipment manufacturing design consultant for Snyder Mfg. for over 30 years. I have been attending the Ralph Lee's meetings for over 20 years of that time. The Ralph Lee's meetings are different than the standard veterinary conference meetings that are available. The meetings are designed to be very family friendly. The attendees and exhibitors are treated with more respect than any other of the veterinary meetings I attend. The smaller venue will also give everyone an opportunity to build long term relationships in the industry.
Ralph Ihde | Snyder Mfg., New Sharon, IA
What our Attendees Say!
I plan each year's continuing education requirements around Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veteirnary Conference. The program venue is especially nice, this time of year, in Asheville, N.C. The Lee family (Howie, Martha and the crew) are most accommodating. They've always made this a pleasurable, meaningful experience. I secure a copy of the conference notes each trip. These notes serve as valuable information for me as I care for my patients on a daily basis. The saddest part, for me, is when the meeting concludes. Soon, I'll be planning for the 2016 conference.
Dr. William “Bill” Martin | Central Veterinary Hospital, Knoxville, TN
What our Exhibitors Say!
The Lees' vet meetings are some of the best...and I attend a lot of them! As both a veterinarian and an exhibitor I get the best of both worlds at these events.... Great Continuing Education and Great attendance to the exhibit booth. I attend every one I possibly can.
Dr. Dan Moore, DVM | Vet Assured, Unicoi, TN
What our Speakers Say!
I have lectured for Veterinary Association Management for the last 4 years and they consistently have wonderfully organized, informative and practical conferences for practicing small animal veterinarians. With a relatively small group of attendees ... read more
Kristin Welch DVM, DACVECC | CRITICAL CARE, CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Exhibitors At The Conference
Please visit these Exhibitors at the Conference to see the latest and best products and services for your veterinary practice!
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3 Sided Media |
American Regent Animal Health |
Carolina Veterinary Mobile Services |
Ceva |
Medvia Tech |
MicroVet Diagnostics |
Midwest Veterinary Supply |
Nutramax LaboratoriesVeterinary Science Inc |
Probo Veterinary |
Purple Moon Herbs and Studies |
ServiceVet Technologies |
Simmons & Associates South East |
Southeast Medical Books |
The Natural Vet/Vet Assured |
Virbac |
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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: Room rates start at $175 + any applicable tax or fees guaranteed through October 12th, 2025. Please make room reservations as early as possible and by October 12th, 2025. The room block does fill up quickly.
Call our toll – free number 1-844-330-0296 (24/7) and mention "Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2025" to receive the special group rate.
For in-house reservations can call our local number during normal business hours 828-285-2603 Monday- Friday 9-5pm and mention the group name, "Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conference 2025".
Click on the link you may use to automatically add the group code when booking online (not mobile compatible:)
Online Registration is Now Open!
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 November 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
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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)
Online Registration is Now Open!
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 November 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!
Veterinarians $450.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 11/1/2025) |
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One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00! |
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