Complementary, alternative, and integrative veterinary medicine

The AVMA believes that all aspects of veterinary medicine should be held to the same standards, including complementary, alternative, and integrative veterinary medicine, non-traditional, or other novel approaches.

  • The foremost objectives in veterinary medicine are the health and welfare of the patient.
  • Diagnosis and treatment should be based on sound, accepted principles of veterinary medicine and the medical judgement of the veterinarian.
  • Veterinarians should have the requisite knowledge and skills for every treatment modality they consider using.
  • A valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship must exist.
  • Owner consent should be obtained prior to initiating treatment.
  • Medical records should include outcomes of treatment.
  • Veterinarians should be aware of and abide by local, state, and federal statutes.

Related policy

Model veterinary practice act

Related resource

Veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR)