Paws Off Those Meds: Partnering with your Local Veterinary Community to Reduce Diversion
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:00pm. EST
As regulations on opioid prescriptions for human patients have tightened, veterinary practices have emerged as a potential point of access for the diversion of controlled substances—a practice sometimes referred to as “vet shopping.” This session examines the complexities of this issue, including the risks posed to both animal welfare and public health when medications intended for veterinary use are diverted. Participants will explore strategies for community-based support for veterinary clinics and animal care organizations. Additionally, we will highlight a statewide initiative funded by the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, which provides resources and complimentary continuing education to help professionals mitigate these risks.
OBJECTIVES
1. Explain veterinary drug diversion, including drug diversion and vet shopping, and what is currently known about the misuse of animal prescriptions for human consumption.
2. Describe prevention and education efforts, including a national prevention project, community outreach strategies, and access to a free 2-hour online continuing education course for veterinary and prevention professionals.
No cost CE’s: Prevention, Peer Support, CHES, SW, Counseling, Nursing and Psychology CEs have been applied for.
SPEAKERS
Bill Gibson is a Certified Prevention Specialist II, former Police Officer and District Attorney General for Tennessee’s 13th Judicial District, a graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and the Nashville School of Law, and a licensed attorney in Tennessee, and he currently serves as Coalition Director for Power of Putnam in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Dr. Meggan Graves is a veterinarian and emergency relief clinician who earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2001 from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, She currently works at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine providing emergency relief services and mentoring veterinary students.
Register Now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/grU6Srv4T1KtEayNjxSx-Q