policy
UNDER REVIEWAddressing the role of veterinary medicine in human health care following catastrophes involving mass human casualty
AVMA encourages authorities to address licensing, liability, policy and other issues to adequately recognize and validate the opportunity and benefits…
policy
UNDER REVIEWAppropriate animal carcass disposal
The AVMA advocates safe and environmentally responsible disposal of animal carcasses, whether on an individual animal basis or during mass mortality…
policy
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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Contingency planning for all-hazard emergency incidents involving animals
The AVMA considers contingency planning for all-hazard emergency incidents involving animals, including agricultural, companion, research, wildlife,…
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Disaster/Emergency pet sheltering preferences
The AVMA recommends use of the cohabitation sheltering model (sheltering as a family unit) during disasters and emergencies involving companion…
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…
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Federal guidance on integrating animal issues into emergency issues
The AVMA strongly recommends periodic review of federal guidance on disaster preparedness, response and recovery to improve support for animal owners…
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UNDER REVIEWGovernment fees and taxes on veterinary products and services
Government entities should consider the possible negative effects on human health, animal health and animal welfare that may result from fees or taxes…
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UNDER REVIEWInfectious risk of animal carcasses in natural disasters
Animals that die from injuries, including massive animal deaths in cases of natural disasters, generally do not represent an infectious health hazard…
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Licensure, liability and workers' compensation coverage for veterinarians and veterinary technicians responding to declared emergencies out of state
AVMA encourages interstate recognition of licenses/credentials of veterinarians/veterinary technicians officially responding to state-declared…
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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…
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Role of the veterinary profession in national, state, and local emergencies
The AVMA recommends that emergency management organizations include veterinarians in the planning process and response operations.
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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
Telemedicine
AVMA is committed to ensuring access to the convenience and benefits afforded by telemedicine, while promoting the responsible provision of…
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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 importance of federal veterinarians in emergency response
The AVMA supports the recruitment and retention of federal veterinarians to build a veterinary emergency response surge capacity.
policy
Training in foreign and emerging animal diseases
Veterinarians must be adequately prepared to recognize foreign animal diseases, emerging or reemerging diseases, or animal disease resulting from an…
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…