policy
UNDER REVIEWWildlife-livestock interactions
The AVMA supports use of science-based evidence and peer-reviewed research to direct wildlife-livestock management policies, and funding to research…
policy
UNDER REVIEWVeterinary end-of-life care
Pet owners facing terminal illness in companion animals may desire veterinary end-of-life care for their pets. The animal's comfort and quality of…
policy
Veterinary dentistry
Veterinary dentistry, oral medicine, and oral surgery are part of the practice of veterinary medicine and are regarded as such under state veterinary…
policy
UNDER REVIEWVeterinary involvement in marine mammal health and welfare
The AVMA encourages the use of appropriately experienced and qualified veterinarians to optimize the health and welfare of marine mammals.
policy
Veterinarians practicing aquatic animal medicine
Aquatic animal veterinarians in the U.S. care for animals and protect public health, diagnosing disease, performing surgery, evaluating and…
policy
UNDER REVIEWVeal calf management
The AVMA supports modern veal calf production practices that meet the welfare and health needs of calves. View the policy on veal calf management.
policy
Vaccination principles
Vaccines have been proven highly efficacious and beneficial to the health of veterinary patients, as well as the general public. Decisions about…
policy
UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
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Use of action devices and performance packages for Tennessee Walking Horses
The AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners support a ban on the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and…
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UNDER REVIEWTransportation and processing of horses
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses.
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Transportation of research animals for the purpose of research, testing, and education
Transportation of animals for research, testing, and education should be conducted humanely and assure the animals are handled appropriately for their…
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Therapeutic medications in racehorses
Health care decisions for individual horses are the responsibility of the veterinarian, trainer, and owner and must have the best interests of the…
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Therapeutic medications in competition equids
The AVMA condemns the administration of non-therapeutic or unprescribed medications to competition equids. Health care decisions regarding individual…
policy
Therapeutic pet food health claims
The FDA uses enforcement discretion in overseeing certain pet food claims. While many of these could legally be considered drugs, certain claims are…
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The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
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The IAHAIO Geneva Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Geneva Declaration.
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The IAHAIO Prague Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Prague Declaration.
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The IAHAIO Tokyo Declaration
The AVMA endorses the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations' Tokyo Declaration.
policy
Telemedicine
AVMA is committed to ensuring access to the convenience and benefits afforded by telemedicine, while promoting the responsible provision of…
policy
Tail docking and teeth clipping of swine
The AVMA recommends the use of procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain associated with tail docking and teeth clipping of pigs. This…
policy
Tail alteration in horses
The AVMA endorses this American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) policy on Tail Alteration in Horses.
policy
Swine health improvement plan
The AVMA supports the Swine Health Improvement Plan pilot program.
policy
Surgery or procedures performed on show animals
The AVMA recommends that procedures to correct injury or deformity for an animal’s welfare not be grounds to disqualify the animal from conformation…