policy
Raw milk
The AVMA supports laws requiring pasteurization of fluid nonhuman mammalian milk intended for direct sale or distribution to consumers and opposes…
policy
Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets
The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens…
policy
Recovery of monetary damages in litigation involving animals
The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes and supports the long-standing legal classification of animals as the property of their owners.…
policy
Recruiting and retaining public practice veterinarians
The AVMA recognizes the importance of public practice to the veterinary community. Studies by AVMA and other veterinary organizations support…
policy
Recycling and resource conservation
The AVMA supports conservation of natural resources by encouraging its offices, employees, councils, committees, members, and others in the sharing…
policy
UNDER REVIEWRegenerative medicine, including therapeutic use of stem cells
Regenerative medicine holds promise in treating a variety of diseases, yet questions remain. The AVMA supports the continued scientific development of…
policy
Regulation of equine plasma products
The AVMA urges the FDA and USDA to identify a means to regulate all equine plasma products intended for use in horses.
policy
UNDER REVIEWRegulation of veterinary medical waste
The AVMA encourages the use of sound science to characterize veterinary medical waste hazards, associated risks, and define methods to minimize…
policy
Relationship of AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations with veterinary specialty organizations in other parts of the world
Contact and collaboration with veterinary specialists and organizations outside North America will lead to improvements in animal health worldwide.
policy
Relocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
policy
Removal or reduction of teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores
The AVMA opposes removal or reduction of healthy teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores, except when required for medical treatment or approved…
policy
Removal of antlers (velveting)
If amputation of living, growing antlers of cervids is performed, it must be done humanely and within the bounds of a veterinarian-client-patient…
policy
Reportable disease list
The AVMA supports the development and implementation of a national list of reportable animal diseases.
policy
Representation to the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)
The AVMA encourages expansion of veterinary membership to the USP, such as representation of veterinary pharmacologists.
policy
Research priorities of the American Veterinary Medical Association
The AVMA strongly prioritizes the overall concept of One Health as a model for integrating relevant clinical and scientific expertise to solve…
policy
Research 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.
policy
Restriction of veterinary biologics to veterinarians' use
The AVMA supports USDA efforts to restrict all veterinary biologics used in disease control programs, those with high incidence of reactions, and…
policy
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.
policy
Safe transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
policy
UNDER REVIEWSafe handling of commercially prepared pet food and pet treats
Microorganisms in prepared pet food and treats may cause serious illness in pets that eat them as well as people who handle the food and treats.…
policy
Safeguarding care for animals with veterinarian-led teams
The AVMA will vigorously defend the practice of veterinary medicine—including the ability to diagnose, prognose, develop treatment plans, prescribe,…
policy
UNDER REVIEWSafety testing
The AVMA supports research to discover and develop safe and efficacious drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and medical devices that benefit animals and…
policy
Safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically engineered (GE) food
The AVMA believes mandatory labeling of GMOs and GE foods or food products is not necessary.
policy
Sale of human-label drug products to veterinarians
Because there are a limited number of drugs labeled for use in animals, veterinarians need to have access to human-labeled prescription drugs to…
policy
Secure food supply plans
The AVMA recommends that federal and state regulatory authorities along with industry stakeholders continue to update, maintain and use the Secure…