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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…
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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…
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Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
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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,…
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…
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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…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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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…
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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…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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UNDER REVIEWResearch dogs and cats adoption
The following factors should be considered when developing a research institution adoption program and determining an animal's potential for adoption.
Animal-assisted interventions: Guidelines
Veterinarians must prepare themselves to play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people and the animals involved in human-animal…
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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…
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Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
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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…
Socialization of dogs and cats
Socialization prepares dogs and cats to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.
Human-Animal Bond Certification
The AVMA is founding educational partner for the Human-Animal Bond Certification Program for veterinarians and veterinary team members.
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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…
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…
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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.
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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.
Canine tail docking FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about tail docking in dogs, including: Why is it done? Is it painful? Do dogs need tails?
National Pet Week®
National Pet Week® honors the pets in our lives and promotes responsible pet ownership. Join us to celebrate pets and help give them the best lives…
Traveling with your pet FAQ
What to think about when deciding to travel with a pet? Can you take your pet out of the country? Specific needs for travel by plane, boat, car, train…