Pain in animals

The AVMA believes a comprehensive and humane approach to pain management for any animal is warranted, justifiable, and expected by society. 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. These methods should be based on scientific evidence, current best practices, and regulatory considerations. Protocols must be tailored and should be based, in part, on the species, sex, breed, age, behavioral characteristics, health status of the animal, assessment of the degree of pain, degree of tissue trauma, and procedure performed. AVMA encourages pain management research to support veterinarians in advancing procedures and practices.