The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) is a professional trade organization for veterinarians. The association was formed in 1907 and incorporated in 1934. The membership of the association is composed of over 1,000 individual Oklahoma veterinarians, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary medicine faculty, veterinary students, out-of-state veterinarians, and allied members. Member veterinarians enjoy many benefits of belonging to the OVMA. They are bound to the common goals of animal welfare and professionalism. Every year, each veterinarian licensed in Oklahoma must obtain 20 hours of continuing education to maintain their license to practice veterinary medicine in Oklahoma. The OVMA is a source for their education. The objectives of the OVMA shall be to: (1) advance the art and science of veterinary medicine; (2) promote high educational and ethical standards within the veterinary medical profession; (3) protect the rights and privileges of its members; (4) promote the health and welfare of the livestock industry of Oklahoma and protect and improve the health of all animals; (5) protect the public against diseases transmissible from animals to human beings; (6) educate the public concerning animal health and its relationship to human health; (7) cooperate with all organizations, agencies, and persons whose objectives are consistent with those of the OVMA.