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Committee on the Human-Animal Bond
The AVMA Executive Board appointed a five-member Human/Companion Animal Bond Task Force at its July 15-16, 1981 meeting. After two meetings, the Task Force made its final report on July 19, 1982. On the Task Force's recommendation, the ad hoc Committee on the Human-Animal Bond was formed. In November 2001, the Committee's representation was expanded to include a representative from the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA).
Charge/Objective
Recognizing the human-animal bond is fundamental to veterinary medicine, the Committee on the Human-Animal Bond shall assist the profession in maintaining, fostering, and promoting human-animal relationships. The Committee shall investigate and interpret the positive and negative impacts of the human-animal bond on veterinary medicine, and shall serve as the principal source of related definitions, information, and recommendations for the AVMA.
Consistent with the AVMA's Strategic Plan, the following are approaches to be employed:
- Environmental scanning for human-animal bond-related issues of importance to the veterinary profession and the publics it serves;
- Exploration and integration of the human-animal bond within the concept of One Health;
- Encouraging awareness of the human-animal bond and its effects within veterinary medical education;
- Identifying specific areas in which the AVMA needs to call upon its resources, influence, and alliances to cause needed actions. Such actions might include (but not be limited to) research, public relations efforts, and legislative and regulatory activities; and
- Engaging in education and outreach activities that encourage establishment of positive human-animal relationships and promote the benefits of such relationships for animals and people.
Membership, Method of Appointment, and Representation
Appointments are made by the AVMA Executive Board, except the Student AVMA appoints its representative to a one-year, renewable term.
Representation: Public Health, Small Animal Clinical Practice, Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Private Clinical Practice—Predominantly Equine, Private Food Animal Clinical Practice, Veterinary Ethology, Zoo/Aquatic/Wildlife Medicine, and SAVMA
Chair
The chair is selected from within the group.
Meetings
Meetings are held twice a year once in Schaumburg and once by teleconference.
Funding
Travel expenses for Committee members to attend meetings of the Committee are paid in accord with AVMA travel policy.
Reports
The Committee reports to the Executive Board.
Life Expectancy
The Committee will be reviewed in accord with AVMA governance policies
11/08
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
