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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…
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Inherited disorders in responsible breeding of companion animals
The AVMA encourages careful consideration of the health and welfare implications of breed standards, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities…
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Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
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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,…
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The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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UNDER REVIEWRelocation 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…
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Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
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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.
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Safe non-commercial 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…
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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…
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AASV basic guidelines of judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials in swine
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians and AVMA both support these guidelines on judicious therapeutic antimicrobial use in pork production.
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Model bill and regulations to assure appropriate care for dogs intended for use as pets
This resource can serve as a guide for legislators and other government officials involved in developing legislation and regulations to assure…