policy
Dog bite prevention
Veterinarians have a professional and ethical obligation to address the issue of dog bites in the United States. View AVMA’s policy on dog bite…
policy
Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
policy
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…
policy
Education and training in food safety, security and defense for veterinary medical professional and paraprofessional students
The AVMA recommends that state and federal entities develop and expand training programs for veterinary students in the area of food safety,…
policy
Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
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
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures demand a licensed veterinarian's extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology,…
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
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…
policy
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…
policy
Extralabel use of medicated feeds, including veterinary feed directive drugs, for minor species
The AVMA supports regulatory discretion in enforcing extralabel use of medicated feeds in minor species under veterinary oversight.
policy
Federal integration of animal issues into emergency management
The AVMA strongly recommends periodic review of federal guidance on disaster preparedness, response and recovery to improve support for animal owners…
policy
Feral swine
The AVMA supports scientifically based regulation and/or legislation related to feral swine.
policy
Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
policy
Foot and mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of worldwide concern. View AVMA's recommendations for FMD preparedness and…
policy
Foreign animal disease laboratory
The AVMA actively seeks continued adequate congressional funding for the upgrading, maintenance, operation, or rebuilding of the United States'…
policy
UNDER REVIEWFree-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
policy
UNDER REVIEWFree-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
policy
Funding of the New Animal Drug Application (NADA) and Abbreviated New Animal Drug Application (ANADA) approval process
To help ensure adequate availability of veterinary drugs, the AVMA supports increased funding of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine for the NADA…
policy
Genetic modification of animals in agriculture
Genetic research and the practical application of that knowledge in farm-raised* animals should be encouraged.
policy
Global food security
The AVMA supports the promotion of the veterinary profession’s many roles in advancing global food security. View the policy on global food security.
policy
UNDER REVIEWGovernment fees and taxes on veterinary products and services
Government entities should consider the possible harm to human health, animal health and animal welfare that may result from fees and taxes on…
policy
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…
policy
UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for addressing hazards in the workplace
It's incumbent on veterinary employers to inform all team members, including both paid staff and volunteers, about job hazards that may affect their…
policy
Guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.