The AVMA recommends that amputation of the growing, living antler of a member of the family Cervidae (e.g., deer, moose, elk, caribou) be conducted humanely, and within the bounds of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship The goal of the procedure should be to minimize stress and pain to the animal, while protecting the animal against excess blood loss, risk of infection, or fly strike. An additional goal is to acquire a clean, wholesome product containing a minimum of drug residue(s). It is unacceptable to remove velvet antlers without analgesia. Removal of velvet antler from animals that have been humanely slaughtered for the purpose of obtaining meat is acceptable.

The AVMA encourages development of humane alternatives to chemical restraint and analgesia to harvest velvet, which is consumed by humans.