How the Government Shutdown Affects Your NVAP Accreditation

The bottom line up front: USDA APHIS does not plan to take any action against accredited veterinarians who continue to perform accredited work after their accreditation expires during the government shutdown.

Recently, a veterinarian in Southern Oregon contacted the OVMA with concerns about her NVAP renewal, which was set to expire on October 16. In early October, the solo practice owner completed the required accreditation modules for renewal, filled out the NVAP form and submitted this information by email to the USDA.

The companion animal practitioner had a client scheduled to have their pet examined the next afternoon and for the veterinarian to write a CVI for the animal’s upcoming trip to another state. However, the veterinarian didn’t know if she was able to do this since she didn’t have verification that her accreditation had been renewed. When she contacted the USDA, the veterinarian got a notice something to the effect that APHIS employees who work in the NVAP office are furloughed during the government closure.

OVMA reached out to a couple of sources and was advised that the veterinarian should not issue the CVI because her accreditation renewal was in the queue and would not be processed until the shutdown ended and the government reopens. What to do?

We contacted Dr. Lindsay Norman (Ontario), whose husband, Cliff Bentz, is Oregon’s representative in the Second Congressional District, which happens to include Southern Oregon. The veterinarian who called the OVMA with her concerns is a constituent of the congressman.

USDA APHIS responded with the following information: 

“The APHIS employees who work in the National Veterinary Accreditation Program office to process accreditation renewals are furloughed since they are paid through annual appropriated funds. APHIS understands the need for veterinarians whose accreditations expire to continue doing accredited work during the lapse in funding. APHIS does not plan to take any action against accredited veterinarians who continue to perform accredited work after their accreditation expires during the lapse. APHIS will work as quickly as possible to process renewals once funding is restored.

APHIS charges user fees to endorse certificates for animals being exported from the United States if the country to which the animal is being shipped requires one endorsed by the US competent authority for animal health (APHIS). Because this service is not funded through annual appropriations, it is continuing throughout the funding lapse.

APHIS is working diligently to provide quality and timely reviews of these certificates; therefore, APHIS Endorsement Offices are unable to provide individuals with status updates on certificates beyond the information listed in the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). Individuals looking to travel overseas with or export animals should contact their accredited (private practice) veterinarian with questions. If accredited veterinarians have any questions for APHIS regarding export certificates, you may email the USDA Endorsement office for Oregon, Washington and Alaska and reference the VEHCS tracking number."