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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…
policy
Animal health information standards (Informatics)
The AVMA supports standardized health information systems that contribute to interoperability, One Health information exchange, research, and other…
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Animal loss support services
The grieving process when an animal dies is similar to that experienced by people who have lost a family member or close friend. View the AVMA’s…
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AVMA policy on veterinary technology
The AVMA recognizes the value of veterinary technicians as an integral component of veterinary medicine and urges full utilization of veterinary…
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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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AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.
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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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Companion animal spay-neuter programs
Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care.
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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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Compendium of veterinary standard precautions for zoonotic disease prevention in veterinary personnel
The AVMA endorses the Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel developed by the National…
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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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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
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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 REVIEWGuidelines for addressing hazards in the workplace
It is incumbent on veterinary employers to inform all team members about job hazards that may affect their health.
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Guidelines for use of trainees and volunteers in veterinary practice
Unpaid training opportunities benefit both trainees and the veterinary profession, but labor laws must be followed carefully. View AVMA's guidelines…
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Inappropriate requests for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration numbers
The AVMA strongly opposes the use of DEA registration numbers for any purpose other than the one for which it was intended: to provide certification…
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Internships and residency programs
Find definitions and program criteria for internships and residencies, as well as residency requirements.
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Military veterinary treatment facilities (VTF)
Veterinary services performed by Army veterinarians are an important benefit for service members and their families, and will be provided across the…
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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…
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UNDER REVIEWModel Veterinary Practice Act
The AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act is intended to serve as a set of guiding principles for those who are, or will be, preparing or revising a…
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Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
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UNDER REVIEWPet health insurance
The AVMA endorses the concept of pet health insurance that provides coverage to help defray the cost of veterinary care and encourages veterinary…
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Physical restraint of animals
Humane and safe handling may include using manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal's normal voluntary movement for the purposes…
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Recycling and resource conservation
The AVMA supports conservation of natural resources by encouraging its offices, employees, councils, committees, members, and others in the sharing…