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…
blog
Important animal welfare bill approved by Congress
Following years of advocacy by the AVMA, lawmakers and animal welfare advocates, the U.S. House and Senate have unanimously approved landmark animal…
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
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,…
policy
UNDER REVIEWImportation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animals
The AVMA recommends regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animal species when there is…
blog
Award names AVMA animal health organization of the year
The AVMA was named 2018 Animal Health Organization of the Year by the Pet Philanthropy Circle during its annual Pet Hero Awards this month. AVMA…
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…
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…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
policy
Limited prohibition on extralabel drug use
Any regulatory prohibition of extralabel drug use in animals should be science-based and as limited in scope as possible, consistent with protecting…
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
UNDER REVIEWGovernment fees and taxes on veterinary products and services
Government entities should consider the possible negative effects on human health, animal health and animal welfare that may result from fees or taxes…
blog
DEA implements reporting system for suspicious orders
All U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registrants, including veterinarians, are now required to design and operate a system to identify…
blog
New law benefits military working dogs, pets
AVMA helped secure the federal law, which will improve the health and welfare of military working dogs and promote responsible dog ownership on…
blog
Veterinary research spotlighted on the Hill
On May 13, the AVMA hosted an educational briefing for Capitol Hill staff on recognizing and managing pain in farm animals.
policy
Ownership vs guardianship
Any change in terminology describing the relationship between animals and owners, including guardian, doesn’t strengthen this relationship, and may,…
blog
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…
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
Safe non-commercial transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
policy
Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
blog
AVMA promotes human-animal bond during Pet Night on Capitol Hill
[caption id="attachment_17271" align="alignright" width="225"] AVMA fellows Drs. Matt Holland and Mark Logan enjoying Pet Night[/caption] As…
policy
Aquatic veterinary practice in U.S. waters outside state jurisdiction
Licensed, federally accredited veterinarians must be used in aquaculture systems within U.S. waters outside of state jurisdiction. Criteria for…
blog
The VCPR: Why it needs to be established in person
The AVMA opposes a VCPR being established virtually because it creates serious risks for patient health and safety. Simply put, establishing the VCPR…
blog
Make your voice heard: Attend an AVMA congressional town hall meeting
Learn how you can connect with the Washington lawmakers who make decisions on legislative policies impacting the veterinary profession.
blog
Veterinarian-sponsored dog importation bill introduced in Congress
This week, the Healthy Dog Importation Act was introduced in Congress to ensure that all dogs entering the country are healthy and not at risk to…