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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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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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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…
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UNDER REVIEWResearch dogs and cats adoption
The following factors should be considered when developing a research institution adoption program and determining an animal's potential for adoption.
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UNDER REVIEWVeterinary facility occupational risks for pregnant workers
Creating a safe work environment for all employees, including those who may be pregnant, can be facilitated by awareness of risks and adoption of…
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UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for responsible pet ownership
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
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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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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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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 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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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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Annual rabies vaccination waiver
Waivers of rabies vaccination should only be issued with approval from the appropriate public health authorities upon recommendation from a licensed…
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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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AAHA-AVMA canine preventive healthcare guidelines
All dogs should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many dogs, more frequent visits may be appropriate.
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AAHA-AVMA feline preventive healthcare guidelines
All cats should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many cats, more frequent visits may be appropriate. The AVMA and the American…
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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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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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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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Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes canine ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourages eliminating ear cropping and tail docking…
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Microchip identification of companion animals and equids
The AVMA endorses the implantation of electronic identification in companion animals and equids and supports standardization in materials, procedures,…
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Rabies
Rabies is almost invariably fatal for animals and humans. Vaccination of animals is a critical step in preventing infection and protecting public…
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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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Establishment and use of veterinary clinical studies committees
All veterinary clinical research conducted on client-owned animals should be performed with oversight that ensures the safe and ethical treatment of…
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the global control of dog-mediated rabies: A One Health imperative
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.