Animal welfare: People
Much of what happens to animals happens through people. Veterinarians have tremendous responsibility and opportunity to positively affect the complex interactions between people and animals, including the human-animal bond. This page provides access to information about maintaining good human-animal relationships, which is key to ensuring the good welfare of animals.
Featured topic: Socialization
For the best start in life, puppies and kittens need to learn to enjoy exploring their environment and meeting new people and animals. The AVMA will be developing a range of materials to help veterinarians advise owners about making a socialization plan for their puppy or kitten in the first weeks and months of its life. For more information visit avma.org/socialization
Human-animal bond
AVMA Policy on Human-Animal Interactions and the Human-Animal Bond"The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors considered essential to the health and well-being of both."
International
Pet loss
- Policy: AVMA Guidelines for Pet Loss Support Services
- Coping with the Loss of a Pet
- When Your Animal Dies / Cuando Su Animal Muere
- Pet Loss Brochures
Prevention of animal abuse
Disaster response
Disaster Preparedness for Veterinarians
Veterinary involvement in emergency preparedness and response is an important topic for the AVMA. Animals are impacted by the same disasters and emergencies as people - natural, manmade, large, and small.