Dr. Cordova Helen

Dr. Helen Cordova, DVM, MPH is an expert in the field of animal transportation, with specialties in international and domestic travel of companion animals, infectious and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, animal welfare, and veterinary consulting.

She has extensive professional experience in the field of veterinary medicine, having served as a Quarantine Veterinary Medical Officer, Veterinary Public Health Consultant, and Chief Veterinary Pathologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

She is also an industry-first, in-house Veterinarian at Delta Air Lines, and has completed training in Live Animal Transportation at the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Dr. Helen E. Cordova is a member of BestForPets Veterinary Review Board and the American Veterinary Medical Association. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis of Veterinary Medicine, and her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Iowa-MPH for Practicing Veterinarians Program.

Highlights

BestForPets Animal Health Expert
About 27 years of veterinary medical experience
Veterinarian with a valid license in Georgia and New York since 1993.
Accredited USDA Veterinarian (Category 1)
Former U.S. Public Health Service lieutenant commander with over ten years of service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Quarantine Veterinary Medical Officer (Dog Importation Subject Matter Expert), Veterinary Public Health Consultant, and Chief Veterinary Pathologist are previous roles held at the CDC.
Actively engaged in veterinary medicine, serving as a consultant and offering guidance on animal welfare and travel
Live Animal Transportation course completed at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Participates in several Executive Council/Advisory Board committees.
American Veterinary Medical Association member

Experience

Helen E. Cordova’s veterinarian career is unusual. She originally pursued small animal clinical practice after graduating from veterinary school before becoming a veterinary pathologist. She received more training in veterinary pathology before enlisting for three years in the United States Army. She eventually went to the U.S. Public Health Service, where she handled a variety of animal and public health-related responsibilities. She earned an MPH through the University of Iowa’s MPH for Practicing Veterinarians program in order to better her talents.

Over her work, Helen E. Cordova has acquired a set of abilities that are distinctive. Her knowledge of veterinary pathology, infectious and zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, CDC dog importation regulations, international and national animal transportation regulations, and airline live animal transportation policies has made her a sought-after animal transportation consultant. She participates on various councils and advisory committees and imparts her expertise at veterinary conferences and through webinars.

A Note From Dr. Helen E. Cordova

“Utilizing my veterinary degree to educate pet owners and help animals has been the most satisfying component of my professional life. As a member of the United States Public Health Service, I have been able to defend animal and human lives via veterinary care. My current objective is improving pet travel by fostering animal care, education, and veterinarian monitoring. I am happy to collaborate with BestForPets and provide my expertise to their community.”

Education

Dr. Helen E. Cordova earned both her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Iowa-MPH for Practicing Veterinarians Program.

International and Domestic Travel of Companion Animals, Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary Public Health, Animal Welfare, and Veterinary Consultancy are areas of expertise.