AVMA News

Pet food claims, sow housing, cat declawing policies go before AVMA House

Delegates to vote on updated policies, including Model Veterinary Practice Act

The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will vote on proposed updates to several AVMA policies, including the Association’s Model Veterinary Practice Act, when the HOD regular annual session convenes July 17-18 in Washington, D.C.

Incoming AVMA president Dr. Michael Bailey will preside over the session, held concurrently with AVMA Convention 2025 and the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress. On the first day of the session, delegates will forgo the usual Veterinary Information Forum, and instead, meet with their federal representatives on Capitol Hill to advocate for AVMA’s legislative priorities.

In addition, AVMA delegates will decide whether Dr. Mary Ergen or Dr. Jennifer Quammen is the 2025-26 AVMA president-elect and hear from candidates for other AVMA offices and councils.

Pediatric sterilization

The AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) is recommending delegates approve a resolution that would update the policy on “Pediatric Spay/Neuter of Dogs and Cats.” The proposed revision broadens its species scope to include rabbits and updates the policy to reflect current and emerging methods of preventing reproduction.

The new language recognizes the availability of multiple surgical sterilization techniques, ongoing work to develop nonsurgical approaches, and supports the concept of pediatric sterilization in dogs, cats, and rabbits to help reduce the population of unwanted animals.

Cute kids cuddling baby rabbits outdoors in spring - stock photo
The AVMA Board of Directors recommends delegates approve a revised policy that expands pediatric sterilization guidelines to include rabbits and updates terminology to reflect evolving reproductive control methods.

Veterinarians are encouraged to use their professional judgment, grounded in the latest scientific literature, to determine when to recommend sterilization based on individual animal needs and population-level considerations. The revised policy supports continued research into the risks and benefits of sterilization at all ages, according to the statement about the resolution.

The changes were suggested by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee (AWC). According to the resolution background, rabbits are among pets that are most often sterilized and their mention represents a needed update to the policy. Additionally, the term “reproductive sterilization” is used in place of “spay/neuter” to reflect the broader range of current and emerging methods used to prevent reproduction.

The House Advisory Committee (HAC) has recommended delegates approve the resolution.

Therapeutic pet food

The BOD has recommended delegates approve a resolution updating an AVMA policy on “Therapeutic Pet Food Health Claims” that simplifies it to clearly focus on AVMA’s support for state and federal oversight of therapeutic claims in pet food labeling.

The proposed revised policy states: “AVMA supports state and federal regulation of cat and dog food products intended to be fed as the pet’s sole diet that also claim to treat or prevent disease, when the food product is made available to the public only through licensed veterinarians, or through retail or internet sales to individuals purchasing the product under the direction of a veterinarian.”

Glad woman choosing dog food for her puppy - stock photo
AVMA delegates are being asked to approve a streamlined update to the AVMA’s policy on therapeutic pet food claims, clarifying the Association’s support for state and federal regulation of disease-related labeling on diets sold through veterinary oversight.

As the AVMA Food Safety Advisory Committee (FSAC) explained in the resolution’s background, the committee recommends transferring content pertaining to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement discretion, veterinary assessment of product claims, and public education to an FAQ.

The committee removed language suggesting that the FDA require warning labels on therapeutic pet food products, as such language is not consistent with current regulatory requirements.

The HAC recommends delegates approve the resolution.

Sow housing

The Board submitted a resolution to the HOD that introduces changes to the AVMA policy on “Pregnant Sow Housing” with a recommendation for approval. The proposed revisions address sow welfare across all life stages and emphasize the importance of science-based management practices and individualized care.

The proposed revised policy states, “The AVMA encourages the use of properly managed and improved housing systems that provide for enhanced sow welfare,” and emphasizes that housing decisions should be based on scientific evidence and veterinary professional judgment. It also acknowledges that “there are welfare advantages and disadvantages with any type of sow housing,” and encourages continuous improvement of housing systems to reduce risk and promote normal behavior.

The updated language reflects a shift toward evaluating and managing housing systems based on animal outcomes, rather than focusing solely on facility design. The proposed policy revisions outline specific considerations for housing and management systems, including proper sanitation, environmental protection, adequate space for normal postures, and reducing exposure to pain, distress, and disease.

The AWC, which suggested the revisions, determined that while the policy remains relevant, updates were necessary to reflect current best practices and concerns raised by stakeholders.

The HAC has recommended approval of the proposed policy changes, which the AWC notes, are largely aligned with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ position statement on sow housing.

Cat declawing

The BOD is recommending AVMA delegates approve a resolution that would update the policy on “Declawing of Domestic Cats.” The proposed changes are informed by an increase in scientific literature on the consequences of onychectomy.

The revised policy states: “The amputation or other surgical alteration of the distal digits is an acutely painful procedure and often results in chronic pain, maladaptive behavior, disability and significant mutilation.” Accordingly, it strongly discourages declawing when it is not medically necessary.

The proposed updated policy also notes that “scratching is a normal behavior of cats that conditions the claws, serves as a visual and scent territorial marker, allows for self-defense, and provides healthy muscle engagement through stretching.” As such, the revisions support behavioral management and environmental enrichment strategies as effective alternatives to surgery.

Grey-striped tabby cat's paw on human's hand - stock photo
An updated policy on feline declawing will be considered by the AVMA House of Delegates this July, one that reflects recent scientific findings, strongly discourages the procedure except when medically necessary and instead promotes behavioral and environmental strategies alternatives.

While strongly discouraging declawing, the revised policy also acknowledges that decisions as to whether to perform, or not, certain veterinary procedures are patient- and client-specific and should respect the veterinarian’s professional judgement.

Numerous AVMA member comments were considered during the review process, according to the statement about the resolution.

The proposed revised policy aligns with the positions of the American Animal Hospital Association and the Feline VMA, both of which do not support declawing and encourage the use of alternatives.

The HAC recommends delegates approve the resolution.

Animal pain

Delegates have received a resolution from the BOD with a recommendation to adopt an updated policy on “Pain in Animals.” The proposed revisions to the policy affirm the veterinary profession’s responsibility to prevent and manage pain across species and emphasize adapting practices as scientific understanding evolves.

The revised policy states: “The AVMA recommends the use of procedures and practices, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods, that prevent, minimize, and relieve pain in animals experiencing or expected to experience pain.” It also indicates that pain management protocols should be adapted as new species-specific knowledge becomes available.

The AWC, in its review, reaffirmed the importance of anticipating, preventing, and treating pain as a core component of veterinary care. The proposed updates to the policy reflect a broad, humane approach to pain management and remove outdated phrasing to improve clarity, according to the resolution background.

The HAC recommends delegates approve the resolution.

Model Veterinary Practice Act

Proposed revisions to the Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA) have been submitted by the BOD to the House with a recommendation for approval. The revisions reflect updates to terminology, licensing language, and structure, as well as the addition of a new section on veterinary telemedicine.

The updated draft MVPA is the result of a multi-year review process overseen by the Council on Veterinary Service (CoVS) and an expanded working group representing a wide range of stakeholders.

The MVPA continues to serve as a model for state legislatures and regulatory boards. It is intended to support a uniform approach to the regulation of veterinary medicine, protect animal health and welfare and public health, and ensure the responsible delivery of veterinary services.

Among the more notable updates is the adoption of “licensed” rather than “certified” or “registered” when referring to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary technologists who have been authorized to practice in a particular jurisdiction. The change is intended to support consistent licensing terminology and avoid confusion across jurisdictions.

Recognizing the growing role of telehealth technologies in veterinary care, a new section on telemedicine has been added. The proposed revisions to the MVPA  affirm that telemedicine must be conducted within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship that has been established in person. This section also outlines considerations for privacy, recordkeeping, and continuity of care when telemedicine is used.

The revision process began in 2022 and included input from the CoVS, the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust, the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, veterinary species groups, veterinary specialty organizations, and veterinary students.

The draft MVPA was posted for AVMA member comment from November 14, 2024, through February 14, with feedback reviewed during a February in-person meeting of the CoVS along with several virtual meetings conducted from March through May.

The HAC recommends delegates approve the resolution.

Workplace hazards

Finally, the Board is recommending the HOD vote to adopt a resolution introducing a new policy on “Mitigating Hazards in the Veterinary Workplace.” If passed, this policy would supersede two existing AVMA policies on “Veterinary Facility Occupational Risks for Pregnant Workers” and “Guidelines for Addressing Hazards in the Workplace.”

The proposed policy reads as follows:

“OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) requires that veterinary practices have a safety program in place to protect the health and safety of workers. OSHA requirements include a Hazardous Communication Plan (HAZCOM), recordkeeping (OSHA 300 logs), equipment safety (PPE), and training. Many states have additional standards beyond what is required by OSHA. More information on OSHA requirements and state OSHA requirements can be found at www.osha.gov/stateplans.

It continues, “The key to a safe working environment is to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses, which requires proactive communication, planning, and educating workers about how to implement a proper safety program and avoid unnecessary risks, regardless of their gender or reproductive status.”

Board members voted to send the revised policy to the HOD during their June 13 meeting. Because delegates received the resolution after the 60-day notification deadline, they will first have to waive the prior notification rule before they can consider the resolution.

A version of this proposed policy was previously considered by the HOD during its winter 2024 session. At that time, the reference committee asked to reconsider the policy after expressing concern that a statement within it that related to ethical considerations went above and beyond what OSHA requires.

The HOD agreed with the reference committee’s concerns, and the proposed policy was referred back to the BOD and, subsequently, to the CoVS, which opted to remove the problematic language and resubmit it to the House.

Other action item

At their July meeting, delegates also will be asked to approve proposed revisions to the HOD Manual. These revisions seek to clarify the timing of soliciting cosponsors for resolutions. If approved, the revisions will dictate that the two-week period to seek resolution cosponsors will begin after the proposed resolution has been reviewed by the Bylaws Amendment and Resolutions Review Subcommittee.

AVMA members can find further information about proposals going to the AVMA House of Delegates along with contact information for delegates on the AVMA website.