Traveling with your pet FAQ
What to think about when deciding to travel with a pet? Can you take your pet out of the country? Specific needs for travel by plane, boat, car, train…
AVMA Animal Welfare Award
This award is given annually to an AVMA member veterinarian to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals.
AVMA Humane Award
Nomination Form—Deadline: February 1, 2016 This award is given annually to a non-veterinarian to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the…
Dogs Traveling in Truck Beds
Dogs transported unsecured in the cargo area (truck bed) of vehicles such as pickup trucks are at risk of injury if they jump or are thrown from the…
Welfare implications of tail docking of dogs
Peer-reviewed summary of scientific literature related to the welfare implications of amputation of part of a dog’s tail.
Comparison of cage and non-cage systems for housing laying hens
When looking at how different housing systems protect the welfare of laying hens, it's important to consider the various trade-offs inherent to every…
Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
State Advocacy Issue
Animal owners love their pets, and veterinarians love animals. But "guardian" is a legal term with significant legal implications and repercussions.
Ear cropping and canine otitis externa FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about ear cropping and canine otitis externa, including: Are dogs with hanging ears more likely to get ear…
Canine tail docking FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about tail docking in dogs, including: Why is it done? Is it painful? Do dogs need tails?
Humane endings
Learn about veterinarians’ responsibility to animals during final life stages: end of life, human perspectives, humane killing techniques, and…
Socialization of dogs and cats
Socialization prepares dogs and cats to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.
Humane slaughter
Animals deserve humane treatment during every stage of their lives – including during the induction of death,
Gonadectomy resources for veterinarians
Conversations are ongoing among veterinarians about when and whether to sterilize pets, and how to balance societal interests with the benefits and…
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Group of awards spotlights commitment to animal welfare
Three AVMA Excellence Awards recognizing achievements in animal welfare and human-animal interaction have been joined under a new umbrella to help…
Animal welfare assessments: Test your knowledge
Interactive quizzes test your animal welfare assessment skill - based on scenarios from the AVMA Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Contest.
Human-Animal Bond Certification
The AVMA is founding educational partner for the Human-Animal Bond Certification Program for veterinarians and veterinary team members.
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AVMA, United Airlines reach agreement on veterinary health form
Update - March 8, 2018: The revised form has been posted on the United Airlines website. The AVMA, with support from AVMA PLIT, flew into action when…
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Get certified to better support the human-animal bond
The AVMA has been the think tank for professionals interested in the human-animal bond since the early 1980s, and we’re excited to announce a new…
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Observe Biomedical Research Awareness Day on April 19
Veterinarians play a key role in ensuring the health and welfare of all animals – including those used in research settings. On Thursday, April 19,…
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Meet the winners!
Three veterinary awards announced during National Pet Week® There’s no better time than National Pet Week® to recognize accomplishments in the fields…
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Learn, help, get inspired: Applications open for next Reaching UP clinic
Are you interested in learning about and serving communities with limited access to veterinary care? Veterinarians and veterinary students can do both…
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Take advantage of a unique animal welfare experience
The Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, also known as AWJAC, will be held November 16-18, 2018, at Colorado State University. Offering…
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Farm bill delivers victory for veterinary medicine
The nation’s new farm bill creates critical programs to improve animal health and enhance the nation’s ability to prevent and respond to animal…
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Plans underway for 2019 animal welfare competition
Dates have been set for the 19th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, which will be held this fall in Colorado. The competition, known as AWJAC,…