For the first time, the public will have an easy way to find the nearest Cornell-educated veterinarian in their area. The CVM Alumni Veterinarian Locator, a free alumni directory service offered by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), allows animal owners to easily search the location of CVM alumni practices on a map.

“We are excited to launch this new service to help connect clients in need of veterinary care with Cornell veterinarians across the country,” says Lorin Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D.’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine. 

Judy Wilpon, long-time College Advisory Council member, had been advocating for a way to easily find and refer others to Cornell-trained veterinarians.

Wilpon had taken her beloved dogs to Cornell alumnus Henry Travis, D.V.M. ’74, and later to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for years and had asked if there was an easy way for all pet owners to find their way to a Cornell-trained practitioner no matter where they were in the country. She wasn’t alone; the college routinely fields email inquiries from the public asking just that same question — where is the nearest Cornell alumni clinician?

The answer to this need is the Cornell Alumni Veterinarian Locator. With 590 CVM alumni in 42 states registered in the database, users can now find a Cornell alumni veterinarian with a simple search of city and state or zip code and select a distance radius from the searched location. Most clinicians are companion animal veterinarians, however equine, large animal, exotic and other practitioners are also represented.

“Clients often ask me for recommendations for other Cornell-educated veterinarians when they move,” says Trish Grinnell, D.V.M. ’97, a small animal practitioner in Connecticut and member of the Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB). “I’m really looking forward to being able to search a location and find classmates to recommend to them.”

“Our veterinary alumni have been so supportive of the development of this new service,” says Lyn LaBar, associate director of alumni affairs and student programming. “We could not have created this app without their help and input.” 

Beyond connecting pet parents with Cornell alumni veterinarians, the tool also allows CVM alumni to opt-in to a searchable database for CVM students looking to find mentors, opportunities for externships, or networking across the country.

“It was an easy decision to be a part of this project. Cornell is a place that means so much to me and my career,” says Andrew Massaro, D.V.M. ’15, an AAEB member whose parents and brother are also CVM alumni. “It’s also a really good idea. I remember as a veterinary student, there wasn’t an easy-to-use tool to find externships or mentoring opportunities, and this really solves that issue well.”

While an obvious benefit to students, this also helps CVM alumni. “It’s a tight hiring market right now,” says Grinnell. “Finding new veterinarians to hire can be difficult, so it’s great to have an easy way for them to find us as well.”

“This new platform expands and strengthens our Cornell veterinary community and highlights the impact our graduates have through clinical service throughout the country,” Warnick says. “It will help fellow alumni connect and network with each other and with current students.”

All practicing Cornell D.V.M. alumni are encouraged to visit the website to join the network. Those with questions may reach out to the CVM Alumni Affairs and Development office for more information. 

Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts