SafetyCall International /Pet Poison Helpline is pleased to recognize the recent accomplishments of several of our employees for their board-certification and elected leadership roles to the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT). SafetyCall is home to four of the 107 ABVT Diplomates worldwide. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, SafetyCall remains staffed with industry leading experts in veterinary toxicology.
ABVT is an internationally recognized certifying body for veterinarians demonstrating knowledge and expertise in many aspects of toxicology. Established in 1967, the ABVT is one of 22 specialty organizations recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association and was the first professional organization to provide certification in the field of toxicology. The process of becoming an ABVT certified Diplomate requires extensive training and commitment to successfully complete the comprehensive examination.
We are proud to share the recent achievements of Drs. Ahna Brutlag, Sherry Rippel (Welch) and Renee Schmid. Dr. Brutlag and Dr. Rippel (Welch) have been recognized for their leadership as the newly elected ABVT President-Elect and Treasurer. This fall, Dr. Schmid passed the comprehensive examination and became an official Diplomate in October 2020.
Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT 
Director, Veterinary Services & Senior Veterinary Toxicologist
In 2013, Dr. Brutlag passed her ABVT boards and became a Diplomate of the organization. Since then, Dr. Brutlag has served on the Examination Committee (2014-2016) and on the Executive Board as Treasurer (2016-2020). In 2020, she was elected President-Elect and will become President of the organization in 2022. Dr. Brutlag has also helped ABVT develop a new website and implement electronic examination. Since 2004, she has continued to lead and contribute to the growth of toxicology expertise at SafetyCall through her dedication to the veterinary toxicology field.
Sherry Rippel (Welch), DVM, DABT, DABVT
Veterinary Toxicologist
Dr. Rippel recently celebrated her tenth year at SafetyCall. She has been a major asset to the veterinary team and has helped us develop our toxicology expertise. In 2008, Dr. Rippel became an ABVT Diplomate and was recently elected Treasurer of the organization. Between balancing her work, her service to AVBT, and her home life, she has also published several abstracts and journal articles, and has authored numerous chapters in veterinary textbooks.
Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT
DVM supervisor, Senior Consulting Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology
Dr. Schmid passed the ABVT comprehensive examination in October 2020. She has been with Pet Poison Helpline and Safety Call International since 2013 and supervises many of our veterinarians. She received her BS in Agriculture and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Kansas State University. Since veterinary school, Dr. Schmid worked as a small animal general practitioner and also received additional clinical training through an anesthesia residency. SafetyCall and Pet Poison Helpline are honored to have her on our veterinary team!
