policy
Breeding/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…
policy
UNDER REVIEWBrucellosis
The AVMA supports the sustained commitment of all responsible state and federal agencies to continue appropriate and timely actions to control and
policy
UNDER REVIEWCanine devocalization
Canine devocalization should only be performed by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative to euthanasia after behavioral…
policy
Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs, which can result in reproductive failure, diskospondylitis, or uveitis.
policy
Codex Alimentarius Commission
The AVMA will promote the inclusion of an AVMA representative to the U.S. delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
policy
Colleges/schools of veterinary medicine infrastructure funding
The AVMA supports federal and state funding to build infrastructure and provide ongoing support for faculty and programs to increase human resource…
policy
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,…
policy
Companion animal spay-neuter programs
Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care.
policy
Comparative medicine and translational research
Comparative medicine studies the similarities and differences in biology among animals to enhance the understanding of mechanisms of human and animal…
policy
UNDER REVIEWCompendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings
The AVMA endorses the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' 2017 Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with…
policy
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…
policy
UNDER REVIEWComplementary, alternative, and integrative veterinary medicine
All aspects of veterinary medicine should be held to the same standards, including complementary, alternative and integrative veterinary medicine,…
policy
Conservation of wildlife
The AVMA recognizes the vital role of wildlife in the human-animal-environment complex and that wildlife conservation is most effectively addressed…
policy
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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Creation and use of genetically modified animals as research models
Creation and use of genetically modified animals for investigating diseases affecting animals and people should not be needlessly restricted and…
policy
Dangerous animal legislation
The AVMA supports dangerous animal that does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.
policy
Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
policy
Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDelivery 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…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDevelopment of emerging disease agent biologics
Although the AVMA recognizes the need to protect intellectual property, the failure of researchers to share isolates of emerging agents with other
policy
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which defines dietary supplements for use in humans, does not apply to products intended for…
policy
Disabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
policy
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
UNDER REVIEWDisinfectants for foreign and emerging animal diseases
The AVMA strongly advocates for and supports the securing and maintaining of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 18 exemptions
policy
Distinction between the process of board-certification and earning a certificate
The AVMA only recognizes as specialists those veterinarians certified by a board or college recognized by the AVMA American Board of Veterinary…