Spots.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Dr. Nelva J. Bryant, DVM, MPH
Dr. Nelva Bryant is a DVM and former LCDR in the U.S. Public Health Service with over 27 years of professional experience. Now working in the airline industry, her goal is to enhance pet travel by advocating for animal welfare, educating, and ensuring veterinary supervision.
Highlights
- Veterinarian with 27+ years of experience in the field
- Licensed since 1993 and able to practice in Georgia and New York
- USDA Accredited (Category 1) and a retired LCDR from the U.S. Public Health Service, having served over 10 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Held various positions at the CDC, including Quarantine Veterinary Medical Officer, Veterinary Public Health Consultant, and Chief Veterinary Pathologist
- Currently working in the airline industry as an in-house Veterinarian at Delta Air Lines and offering consultative services
- Completed training in Live Animal Transportation at the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Active member of multiple Executive Council/Advisory Board Committees and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Experience
Dr. Bryant’s veterinary journey is unconventional. After graduating from veterinary college and spending a year in clinical practice, she decided to pursue veterinary pathology. She received further training and joined the U.S. Army for three years before transferring to the U.S. Public Health Service, where she held various positions related to animal and public health. To enhance her expertise, she earned an MPH degree from the University of Iowa’s MPH for Practicing Veterinarians program.
Through her career, Dr. Bryant has developed a unique skill set, including expertise in veterinary pathology, infectious and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, CDC dog import regulations, international and national animal transportation regulations, and airline live animal transportation policies. She uses her knowledge to educate others as a consultant, presenting at veterinary conferences and webinars, and serving on council and advisory boards.
Education
Dr. Bryant received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Iowa-MPH for Practicing Veterinarians Program.
Recent Reviews
Recent Posts

How to leash train a dog
There are no leashes in the wild. And while some dog owners would love to see all dogs roam free, off-leash, keeping your dog leashed while going for a walk helps keep your furry friend safe. Good leash manners means hours of exercise, enrichment, and bonding time for you both. So how do you leash train a...
Why is my dog twitching in sleep?
Your dog is cozy and asleep in their dog bed. The next thing you know, their little paws are moving, and they look to be twitching in their sleep. What’s going on? Dogs twitch in their sleep for many reasons, some more serious than others. Below, we look at some reasons for dogs twitching in their...
How to Start Running With Your Dog
Close your eyes and think of a happy, carefree dog. Chances are you’re picturing a pooch running, the wind blowing through its fur, drool dripping from its mouth. While humans might run for various reasons, dogs seem to do it out of pure joy — and to burn off their excited energy. There’s even evidence...
How to teach a dog not to bite
Nipping and mouthing may seem cute while your dog is a puppy, but it can become a problem behavior as your pup gets bigger. Teaching a dog not to bite is crucial whether you’re dealing with a playful, mouthy puppy or an older dog with a bad habit. Below we cover why young dogs tend...
How to stop a dog chewing everything up
Dogs chew for various reasons, and when they target new furniture and valuables, it can be a frustrating experience. If you’ve recently lost your favorite watch to a chew-obsessed dog, you may be wondering how to stop a dog from chewing everything up. After all, inappropriate chewing can also lead to health problems for your dog,...
How fast can dogs run?
Toss a ball, and most dogs will eagerly go to retrieve it. How fast they run to the ball depends on a few factors, including their breed and personality. Some might shuffle over to the toy, and others are more likely to sprint all out. But is there a limit to their speed? How fast...
Mental stimulation for dogs: 5 ideas
Imagine leaving a toddler with no interaction, no toys, and no activities for days on end. A lack of mental stimulation might affect that toddler in numerous ways. They might even start to act out. Dogs also need plenty of stimulation to stay mentally healthy. Think of your dog like a toddler who will never...
Why do dogs like squeaky toys?
Impossibly annoying to the human ear but deeply enticing to canines, what’s the deal with high-pitched sounds? Why do so many dogs go nuts for squeaky toys? Reason on to find out why some dogs go bananas over sound-emitting toys and how to buy toys your dog will love. Why do dogs like squeaky toys...