Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
Animal welfare course syllabus
Educators can use this model syllabus as a template to meet the core competencies students need to protect animal welfare in any field of veterinary…
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.
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.
AVMA news
Animal welfare award recipients recognized by AVMA
Dr. Sheilah Robertson received the AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and Candace Croney, PhD, received the AVMA Humane Award July 15 during AVMA Convention…
AVMA news
Animal welfare contest puts students, veterinarians to the test
Participants evaluated the welfare of show chickens, cattle, shelter pets, and an octopus in an aquarium during the 22nd annual AVMA Animal Welfare…
AVMA news
Winners of AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest announced
More than 250 students and veterinarians from around the world competed in the 21st annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, held virtually in…
AVMA news
APHIS, Justice Department strengthen Animal Welfare Act enforcement
A memorandum of understanding between the U.S. departments of agriculture and justice means greater collaboration and coordination when investigating…
AVMA news
USDA finalizes standards to include birds under Animal Welfare Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is establishing welfare standards for birds, which were previously…
AVMA news
Students, veterinarians address animal welfare scenarios during annual contest
The 23rd annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, or AWJAC, took place November 17-19 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Participants…
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.
AVMA news
AVMA recognizes three for work in human-animal bond and welfare
Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen received the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, Dr. Patricia V. Turner received the AVMA Animal Welfare…
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.
AVMA news
Welfare concerns for wild birds, from confiscation to relinquishment
Drs. Patricia J. Latas and Anthony A. Pilny presented sessions on July 15 at AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver about the consequences of wildlife…
AVMA news
Canine welfare program certifies 100-plus dog breeders
More than 100 dog breeders have gained recognition through the Purdue University–based Canine Care Certified program.
AVMA news
Policies on physical restraint of animals, canine devocalization approved
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the…
Responding to suspected cases of animal cruelty
As veterinary professionals, it is our responsibility to act if we suspect a case of animal abuse or cruelty. These resources will help you and your…
Service, emotional support, and therapy animals
Understanding the varied roles of service, emotional support, and therapy animals helps veterinary teams provide care and advice consistent with each…
AVMA news
Happy the elephant is latest test case for animal rights group
New York state’s appellate court recently heard oral arguments over whether a 48-year-old elephant is similar enough to a human to be considered…
AVMA news
Delegates update AVMA policies on diets for cats and dogs, animal loss support services
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) amended several AVMA policies addressing a range of veterinary-related issues, , from raw diets for dogs and cats,…
AVMA news
Nominations open for 2024 AVMA Excellence awards
Summary: The nomination period is open for the 2024 AVMA Excellence Awards. The awards program recognizes contributions by veterinarians and…
AVMA news
Four veterinary scientists recognized with AVMA research awards
The AVMA honored Drs. Jim E. Riviere, Nicholas (Nick) Jeffery, Natasha Olby, and Boaz Arzi with 2023 AVMA Excellence Awards for contributions to…
AVMA news
Done with Dog Daddy
Dog trainers that use aversive training methods, including Augusto DeOliveira, also known as "The Dog Daddy," have caught the attention of concerned…
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…
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…