policy
UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
policy
Management of cribbing in horses
The AVMA condemns the use of hog rings or other devices placed around the teeth to prevent cribbing in horses and encourages research to understand…
JAVMA news
Natural bovine behavior key to evaluating management practices
Human-animal interaction is one of the largest components of appropriate animal welfare. More than anything, the natural behaviors of animals
AVMA news
Raw pet food diets, pet population management policies headed to HOD
The AVMA House of Delegates, during its regular winter session, being held January 5-6, 2024, in Chicago, will vote on six resolutions that would…
policy
UNDER REVIEWPregnant sow housing
Pregnant sows are kept in a variety of housing systems. View the AVMA's recommendations for sow housing and management systems.
JAVMA news
In Short
Cockfighting in Puerto Rico; the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association's new president, and more
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…
JAVMA news
Veterinarians can earn certificate in human-animal bond
Practicing veterinarians as well as veterinary technicians and practice managers can now learn more about research backing the human health benefits…
JAVMA news
Setting the stage for owners when senior pets develop behavior problems
Caring for geriatric pets can be challenging and at times frustrating for their owners. Pets can exhibit behavioral problems that impair the…
Frequently asked questions about the overpopulation of wild horses and burros on federal lands
Frequently asked questions about the overpopulation of wild horses and burros on federal lands
policy
Free-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…
Advocating for horse welfare
The AVMA advocates on a variety of horse welfare issues. Learn about our top priorities and find out how you can help protect horses.
policy
AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.
policy
Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional (non-padded, non-offset) steel jawed foothold traps, also called leghold traps.
policy
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…
policy
Therapeutic medications in racehorses
Health care decisions for individual horses are the responsibility of the veterinarian, trainer, and owner and must have the best interests of the…
AVMA news
The contribution of veterinarians to wildlife health
The SARS-CoV-2 virus probably originated in wildlife and has been documented in more than two dozen species. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has…
JAVMA news
Veterinary behaviorists: No role for aversive dog training practices
Reward-based dog training offers the most advantages and least harm to the learner’s welfare, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal…
JAVMA news
AVMA honors 3 with awards during National Pet Week
The AVMA has announced the 2020 recipients of the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and AVMA Humane…
JAVMA news
AVMA revises declawing policy
Policy discourages procedure but defers to veterinarians on each case
AVMA news
Conserving wildlife for generations to come
Dr. Ole Alcumbrac owns a mixed animal practice in Arizona and is a contractor for work on wildlife. He also is the star of the television shows “Wild…
JAVMA news
Report details Wildlife Services’ handling of nuisance animals
The federal Wildlife Services program lethally removed 62,000 coyotes as nuisance animals last year. Coyotes reportedly kill more than 300,000…
Veterinarians and One Health
Whether as clinical practitioners, epidemiologists, or ecological experts, veterinarians are essential to protecting the health and safety of animals,…
JAVMA news
Policies clarify animal-assisted interventions
New AVMA policies clarify when an animal is most appropriately classified as a service, assistance, or companion animal and describe the…
policy
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.