- Clear All
- Remove theAnimal welfarefilter Animal welfare
- Remove theToxicologyfilter Toxicology
- Remove the2017filter 2017
- Remove the2015filter 2015
- Remove the2012filter 2012
- Remove the2009filter 2009
- Remove theHuman-animal interactionsfilter Human-animal interactions
- Remove theEuthanasiafilter Euthanasia
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…
JAVMA news
Advocates for animal welfare, human-animal bond honored
The AVMA recently honored three individuals for their continuing efforts to advance animal health and welfare and protect the human-animal bond.
policy
UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support animal?
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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
UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
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
AVMA to deliberate on assistance animals, stem cells
Service, emotional support, and therapy animals provide therapeutic interventions and assist individuals with disabilities but the growing number of…
policy
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…
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…
policy
Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
JAVMA news
AVMA providing guidance on handling of pet remains
The AVMA has adopted a policy and is creating educational materials to provide guidance to veterinarians on the handling of companion animal remains.
JAVMA news
1985 - 1995
The scientific section of JAVMA underwent a complete makeover toward the end of this decade, truly transforming its look.
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.
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
Legislation would protect pets of domestic violence victims
The AVMA is lending its support to bipartisan legislation that would expand federal protections to the pets of victims of domestic violence.
JAVMA news
Massachusetts VMA honors educator, project founders
Two veterinarians and a founder of a service dog organization were honored in October 2014 by the Massachusetts VMA.
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
Revision process begins for AVMA euthanasia guidelines
Efforts to update the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia are underway.
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
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…
policy
UNDER REVIEWRemoval 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…