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
Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
policy
Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
policy
Acclimation certificates/statements
Acclimation certificates/statements are used to allow airlines to ship dogs and cats when the airline cannot guarantee compliance with requirements of…
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,…
Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
JAVMA news
Researchers, dealers, exhibitors need disaster plans
Animal dealers, researchers, exhibitors, and others licensed and registered under the Animal Welfare Act will need to have plans
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
The PETS Act: A legal life preserver
Many residents along the Gulf Coast ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 refused to evacuate without their pet.
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
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
California wildfires spur veterinary school to action
The University of California-Davis provided care at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and through its ambulatory services for animals burned or…
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
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…