Home News Issues My AVMA Jobs Animal Health Public Health AVMA@Work
Search Tips | Advanced Search
  
Search within Policies, Positions, Guidelines.

AVMA Member area = AVMA/SAVMA  Members Only


Get Adobe reader

Some files on this page require Adobe Reader software. Click on the image above to download it for free from the Adobe site.

 

 




 
AVMA policy
 
Golden Rules of Pet Ownership
(Current as of April 2006)
 

That the Executive Board reaffirm AVMA endorsement of the California Veterinary Medical Association's Golden Rules of Pet Ownership, which read as follows:

The joy of pet ownership also brings responsibility. As a responsible pet owner, I WILL:

  • Avoid making an impulsive decision about getting a pet. I will learn about and carefully select a pet suited for my home and yard, and my lifestyle.
  • Adhere to local ordinances including licensing and leash requirements.
  • Control my pet for its own safety.
  • Have my pet spayed or neutered, or take responsibility for my pet's offspring.
  • Keep only pets for whom I can provide a pleasant and safe environment, adequate food and shelter, and companionship. I will be a responsible caretaker throughout my pet's life.
  • Do my part of help solve animal control and overpopulation problems.
  • Provide regular health care as recommended by my veterinarian including rabies vaccination and other inoculations.
  • Clean up after my pets and appropriately dispose of their waste. I will prevent my pet from being unnecessarily noisy or aggressive.
  • Provide identification for my pets by using ID tags or other means.
  • Respect the living environment.
 

American Veterinary Medical Association
Copyright © 2009