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UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
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Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and recommends that animal fighting be considered a felony…
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Animal-assisted interventions: Definitions
Animal-assisted interventions should be governed by basic standards, monitored regularly, and staffed by appropriately trained personnel. The health…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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Annual meeting of the voting members of the AVMA
The annual meeting of voting members of the AVMA occurs concurrently with the plenary session at the House of Delegates' winter meeting.
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AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.
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AVMA policy on diversity and inclusion
The AVMA is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of veterinary medicine so that we can best serve the animals, the public, and AVMA…
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AVMA's role in international activities
The AVMA will continue to strengthen its leadership role in international organizations relevant to the Association’s mission and vision.
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AVMA animal welfare principles
The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal…
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MEMBERS ONLYAVMA conflict of interest policy for volunteers
The integrity of the AVMA and its activities depends on the avoidance of conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of such conflicts, by the…
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AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals help members of the veterinary profession make decisions that support animal welfare in emergency…
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Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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Bovine castration
Cattle castration is important to animal and human safety, reduces aggressive behavior, and improves meat quality. The veterinarian of record should…
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UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Codex Alimentarius Commission
AVMA will promote inclusion of an AVMA representative in the U.S. delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and appropriate committees and task…
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Companion animal care guidelines
View general guidelines for the care and humane treatment of animals in nonagricultural facilities such as shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels,…
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Complementary, alternative, and integrative veterinary medicine
All aspects of veterinary medicine should be held to the same standards, including complementary, alternative and integrative veterinary medicine,…
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Dangerous animal legislation
The AVMA supports dangerous animal that does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.
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Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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Delivery of veterinary service by not-for-profit/tax-exempt organizations
The AVMA supports the worthwhile work of veterinary not-for-profit and tax-exempt clinics and hospitals, and believes they should comply with…