Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
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
Study shines spotlight on neutering
Publication earlier this year of a study that found higher incidences of certain cancers and musculoskeletal disorders
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…
JAVMA news
Million Cat Challenge aims to rescue shelter cats
Two shelter medicine programs have launched the Million Cat Challenge to reduce the loss of life among cats in North American animal shelters over…
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…
JAVMA news
Wild horse, burro population still out of control
Overpopulation of wild horses and burros has been a major focus for the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management as grazing land begins…
JAVMA news
AVMA revises policy on feral cats to encourage collaboration
The AVMA has revised its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” to encourage collaboration among veterinarians, humane groups, and wildlife…
JAVMA news
Simulation study compares cat population reduction methods
A simulation model used in a recent study provides insights into the value of administering a temporary, nonsurgical
JAVMA news
Counting animals in shelters and sharing data
The National Database Project as a platform for the collection and reporting of animal shelter data.
JAVMA news
Reaching UP in New Mexico
A team of volunteer veterinary professionals spent four days last November on the Pueblo of Laguna reservation in New Mexico.
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…
JAVMA news
Coalition wants veterinary access for economically at-risk pets
An ongoing concern voiced by some in the profession is that nonprofit organizations providing veterinary services are competing
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
Board takes on topics across breadth of profession
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting June 20-21 in Washington, D.C., took on topics across the breadth of the profession, including improvement…
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…
blog
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,…
blog
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…
JAVMA news
Counting cats to create better management programs
An ambitious plan is underway in the nation's capital to quantify the number of cats living there over the next three years.
JAVMA news
Future of animal welfare intertwined with veterinary profession
Some current trends in animal welfare he outlined are as follows:
blog
New AVMA guidelines help veterinarians implement depopulation humanely
Humanely ending the lives of animals is one of the most difficult tasks for any veterinarian. During times of crisis or major catastrophe, emergency…
JAVMA news
'We do one thing, and one thing only'
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Spay/Neuter Alliance is working to reduce the number of unwanted animals by
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…
Advocating for horse welfare
The AVMA advocates on a variety of horse welfare issues. Learn about our top priorities and find out how you can help protect horses.
JAVMA news
Study links skin allergies in dogs to problem behaviors
Research supports calls for treatment of dermatoses in dogs and other animals, including management of environmental stressors