JAVMA news
Natural bovine behavior key to evaluating management practices
Human-animal interaction is one of the largest components of appropriate animal welfare. More than anything, the natural behaviors of animals
JAVMA news
The human-animal bond: A legal liability for veterinarians?
Civil and criminal codes pertaining to animals are evolving.
JAVMA news
AVMF awards $125,000 in support of animal health, human-animal bond research
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation has awarded three research grants totaling $125,000
JAVMA news
Social workers turn attention to animal hoarders
Dealing with animal hoarding should be about helping the hoarders as well as the animals, according to social workers who consult on such cases.
JAVMA news
AVMA endorses guidance for vets suspecting animal abuse
The AVMA has endorsed a document created jointly by the AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond and the American Humane Association for veterinarians…
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
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
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
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
policy
Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
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…
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
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…
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.
policy
UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for responsible pet ownership
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
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 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…
JAVMA news
Veterinary marijuana?
Most Americans see marijuana as a legitimate medical treatment for some human disease conditions.
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…
JAVMA news
Humane endings
The Association hosted a symposium where best practices for euthanasia were examined and research directed at refining those practices
JAVMA news
Board acts on research, grievance resolution, residues
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting Nov. 20-22, 2014, approved a few new policies, rescinded some that were no longer, and reaffirmed or…
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
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
Banfield launches foundation with grant to AVMF
The Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, launched Oct. 6 with an inaugural $200,000 commitment over three years to the American…
JAVMA news
Bain receives Bustad award for human-animal bond research
Dr. Melissa Bain has devoted her veterinary career to enhancing the human-animal bond through research on companion animal behavior problems,…