policy
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…
policy
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…
policy
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…
policy
Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
policy
Elephant guides and tethers
The AVMA condemns the use of guides to puncture, lacerate, strike or inflict harm upon an elephant. The AVMA recommends tethers only be used when…
policy
Emotional support animals
The AVMA encourages housing providers covered by the Fair Housing Act or similar laws to ensure they understand and are fully compliant with their…
policy
UNDER REVIEWHorse tripping
The AVMA opposes tripping, injuring or causing the death of horses, mules and donkeys for any entertainment purpose or during training for any…
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Model policy on harassment and discrimination-free veterinary workplace
This model policy is intended as a starting point for veterinarians. Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws may differ greatly from state to…
policy
UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
policy
Practice of soring
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' position on the practice of soring.
policy
Service animals
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless whether it has been licensed or certified by a government or an…
policy
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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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…
policy
Veterinary ergonomic guidelines
Discover risk factors that could lead to musculo-skeletal injury, examples of related tasks in veterinary medicine, and what to do if you identify a…