Being AVMA president has its perks, including the title of Santa’s Official Veterinarian. In addition to providing regular preventive care to Santa’s reindeer, this means examining Rudolph and each of the others in preparation for their special flight around the world.
As Official Veterinarian of the North Pole, AVMA President, Rena Carlson, DVM, has performed this important annual examination with the aid of Ashli Selki, past-president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA). The physical exam includes a look at the fur, eyes, nose, leg joints, hooves, plus running bloodwork.
The pair declared Santa’s reindeer are in great shape, and free of injury and disease. Because animals require a health certificates in order to travel between U.S. states or across national borders, Dr. Carlson’s sign-off means the reindeer team are healthy enough to help Santa deliver presents.
“We can say with absolute confidence that all of the reindeer are ready for the big journey on Christmas Eve with Santa,” Carlson says.
For more, check out the video below of Dr. Rena Carlson and Ashli Selki performing the veterinary examination with Rudolph and the rest of the herd, courtesy AVMA.
Bonus: Read answers to kids’ questions about the reindeer and the role of Santa’s veterinarian.