David M. Chico is a friend to animals as a longtime veterinarian and organizer of animal emergency response teams in New York State. He was a companion animal veterinarian in private practice for 12 years before joining the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as an Emergency Programs Coordinator.

In that position, he organizes animal response teams throughout the state. The response teams are comprised of community volunteers trained to help meet the needs of the animals during disasters and emergencies. Chico also serves on the Board of Directors of the Albany Damien Center — a community center for individuals and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. He helps organize and run wellness clinics providing free veterinary care to Capital District HIV/AIDS victims. The clinics help remove some of the financial barriers that may prevent these individuals from enjoying the support and companionship of their animals during their illness.

Chico is a member of the New York State and Capital District Veterinary Medical Society, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, earned a master’s degree in Public Health from the School of Public Health at the State University at Albany, and a bachelor’s degree in Toxicology from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science.