AVMA news
Board revises AVMA policies on horse tripping, opioids, public health
The AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) updated and adopted several policies during its April 4-5 meeting at AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois. The…
policy
Disbudding and dehorning of sheep and goats
Disbudding and dehorning sheep and goats causes pain and distress. See AVMA’s guidelines for when and by whom these procedures should be carried out.
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,…
AVMA news
Policies on physical restraint of animals, canine devocalization approved
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the…
AVMA news
AVMA leaders to discuss environmental sustainability, spectrum of care
Meeting this July in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will consider new and revised policy proposals dealing with wolf hybrids, tail docking,…
AVMA news
AVMA House of Delegates approves eight resolutions
The AVMA House of Delegates approved eight resolutions on Jan. 7 during its regular winter session, held in conjunction with the AVMA Veterinary…
AVMA news
Humane slaughter guidelines available for comment
Draft revisions to the AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals, which cover the humane slaughter of animals raised for food or fiber, are…
Service, emotional support, and therapy animals
Understanding the varied roles of service, emotional support, and therapy animals helps veterinary teams provide care and advice consistent with each…
Animal-assisted interventions: Guidelines
Veterinarians must prepare themselves to play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people and the animals involved in human-animal…
blog
DOT issues final rule on air travel with service animals
Strong veterinary influence is apparent in the new rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation related to transporting service and emotional…
JAVMA news
HOD adopts policies on cribbing, microchipping animals
In January, the AVMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt a new policy on humanely managing horse cribbing and a revised policy concerning…
blog
AVMA updates euthanasia guidance for the profession
The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals have been updated to reflect important research advances, including new techniques and equipment.
JAVMA news
HOD to deliberate on declawing
AVMA House of Delegates also to consider microchips, cribbing, use of technology
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
UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
policy
UNDER REVIEWResearch 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
Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
JAVMA news
AVMA deliberates on breed standards, devocalization
A resolution submitted to the House of Delegates calls for the AVMA to help develop healthier breed standards for purebred dogs and cats; another…
JAVMA news
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support animal?
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
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
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…
policy
Transportation of research animals for the purpose of research, testing, and education
Transportation of animals for research, testing, and education should be conducted humanely and assure the animals are handled appropriately for their…
policy
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…
policy
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…