Animal health and welfare
Veterinarians and veterinary teams are committed to protecting the health and welfare of animals. AVMA has many tools and resources to help.
policy
AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.
policy
Animal loss support services
The grieving process when an animal dies is similar to that experienced by people who have lost a family member or close friend. View the AVMA’s…
policy
AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals help members of the veterinary profession make decisions that support animal welfare in emergency…
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,…
JAVMA news
Future of animal welfare intertwined with veterinary profession
Some current trends in animal welfare he outlined are as follows:
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…
JAVMA news
Devastating flu, ongoing harm
This past spring’s highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak was the largest animal health emergency in U.S. history
JAVMA news
Euthanatized animals can poison wildlife: Veterinarians receive fines
In 1999, a veterinarian and a rancher in Colorado were dismayed to find that they had accidentally killed five golden eagles and two bald eagles.
AVMA news
Delegates update AVMA policies on diets for cats and dogs, animal loss support services
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) amended several AVMA policies addressing a range of veterinary-related issues, , from raw diets for dogs and cats,…
JAVMA news
USDA releases equine industry study results
The Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Health Monitoring System published the first report from its Equine 2015 study,
JAVMA news
Research delayed, rodent populations reduced during pandemic
Universities delayed new studies this spring to reduce contact among people, including researchers and animal caregivers. Those delays often involved…
JAVMA news
UK leads by example when it comes to wellness
As the U.S. veterinary medical profession grapples with how to measure and address the prevalence of mental illness and distress among practitioners,…
JAVMA news
Euthanasia a rare but complicated issue in disasters
The pending discussions on euthanasia protocols will include how to shorten the time between when TAHC staff members recommend euthanasia
JAVMA news
Unmasking the shelter dog
Now, more than ever, it’s important to understand the behavior of animals in shelters, according to the keynote speaker at the National Council on Pet…
AVMA news
AVMA recognizes three for work in human-animal bond and welfare
Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen received the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, Dr. Patricia V. Turner received the AVMA Animal Welfare…
JAVMA news
Slaughter delays lead to depopulation
Companies destroyed thousands of swine and poultry in April as coronavirus outbreaks shuttered or slowed slaughter plants, and one producer warned…
JAVMA news
AAHA, hospice association release end-of-life care guidelines
The American Animal Hospital Association and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care have released guidelines on…
JAVMA news
Euthanasia form reviewed
The AVMA Executive Board approved revisions to the model animal euthanasia authorization form in November.
JAVMA news
Handle with care
Dr. Kimberly Pope-Robinson, a board member of the Human Animal Bond Association, gave a talk about the special needs of elderly and disabled animal…
JAVMA news
When should a pet be allowed to suffer pain?
In his line of work as owner of Compassionate Veterinary Hospice in Chicago, Dr. Amir Shanan comes in contact daily with people who hold commonly held…
JAVMA news
Member comment sought on draft guidelines for depopulation
A draft version of the first AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals is now available for review and comment by AVMA members.
JAVMA news
Ending life well
Pending guidance on depopulation and updated guidance on euthanasia acknowledge that decisions on animal death are difficult even for experts.
JAVMA news
More tools needed for disasters, depopulation
Short supplies and limited tools may slow depopulation efforts or leave animals without pain relief during emergencies.
AVMA news
Feline hospice, palliative care guidelines highlight cat, caregiver wellbeing
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) have…