Administered through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation
SAVMA Symposium is a conference designed to expose students to areas of veterinary medicine that are not usually covered in their regular curricula and promote networking among future colleagues. Students from veterinary schools all across the U.S.A. are invited to participate in this symposium, which consists of interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and fun day trips around Illinois! Help us represent the University of Minnesota by attending!
When: TBD
Registration: TBD
Where: TBD
Hosted by: Cornell University
Check out the links in the yellow boxes below to visit the SAVMA symposium website.
SAVMA Symposium travel grant applications are now open to ALL students, not just Gold Members.
Please be on the lookout for an email on how to apply for the grants!
The Hoof 'N Woof is an annual 5k fun run/walk with your canine companion put on by the Philanthropy Committee of SAVMA. This event typically occurs during the spring semester and all proceeds are donated to the Minnesota Association Pets in Crisis(see below for description). This event was created for CVM students, staff, and faculty to socialize, connect with the community, give to a good cause, and relieve some stress through healthy activity!
Cost of admission: $30 online, the first 100 registrants will get a t-shirt with registration.
Register online to reserve your spot in the race or register at check-in the day of the event. The first 100 registrants will get a t-shirt with registration. An awards ceremony will take place upon completion of the 5k. Dogs are encouraged, but not required, for participation. In addition to the race, attendees can also participate in a costume contest with their pets.
The 2024 Hoof 'N Woof had about 200 participants and raised over $7,000 for the Minnesota Association for Pets in Crisis!
Questions? savma@umn.edu
April 11, 2026
Race Starts at 8:00 AM
University of Minnesota
St. Paul Campus
Mission: Protecting people and their pets in times of crisis.
Recent studies have show that nearly 48% of surveyed victims delayed leaving an abusive relationship for fear of pet safety. In another study, approximately 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their partners had injured, maimed, killed, or threatened family pets.
Two years ago, three women came together with a vision of creating a world in which victims of violence do not have to sacrifice their own safety for that of their pets.
Ashley, Patrice, and Ingrid created the Minnesota Association for Pets in Crisis (MNAPC), a non-profit organization that specializes in providing housing and care to pets belonging to victims of domestic violence with the goal of ultimately reuniting pets with their families.
Website: https://www.petsincrisismn.org/
2024 Hoof n Woof 5K
When: January 28-31st, 2026
Registration: Closed
Where: Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, MN
When: March 13-15
Registration: Closed
Where: NC Sate University, Raleigh NC
When: July 10-14, 2026
Registration: Open now!
Where: Anaheim, CA
When: August 16-19, 2026
Registration: Open
Where: Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Sioux Falls, SD
When: Jan 16-20, 2027
Registration: Opens in fall
Where: Orange Country Convention Center - Orlando, FL
When: January 7-9, 2027
Registration: Opens in fall
Where: Chicago, IL
Application usually due in October. Will be sent out to eligible classes via email.
*One student will be selected from each AVMA-affiliated veterinary school. The AVMA will pay for flight and hotel, and registration fee.
Looking for additional conference opportunities? Please visit the below sites for more options!