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
Animal welfare contest taps virtual opportunities
The annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest is moving online this year. That’s good news for AVMA members interested in earning CE credits in…
blog
Protecting animal welfare: Empowering our next generation
One of AVMA’s most important responsibilities is to help the next generation of veterinarians make informed decisions that protect and enhance animal…
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…
policy
Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
JAVMA news
Editing Animals
Recent gene-editing technologies are being used to create mice that model human genetic diseases, Holstein cattle lacking horns, and current research…
JAVMA news
Restricting ownership of wild animals
Ohio residents have received or sought permits to continue owning about 300 primates
JAVMA news
Ohio restricting wild animal ownership
Starting in September, most Ohio residents will be unable to collect or sell wild animals that the state deems to be dangerous.
JAVMA news
AHA certification covers nearly 1 billion farm animals
The number of animals living on farms certified by the American Humane Association Certified program quintupled in 14 months.
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
Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
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.
AVMA news
AVMA leaders to discuss environmental sustainability, spectrum of care
Meeting this July in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will consider new and revised policy proposals dealing with wolf hybrids, tail docking,…
JAVMA news
AVMA issues guidance on humane slaughter
The AVMA will soon release the second in a three-part series of recommendations for killing animals humanely.
JAVMA news
Hidden wildlife
Nobody knows how many privately owned wild animals are living in captivity in Ohio.
JAVMA news
Board acts to remove hurdles to AVMA membership
The AVMA Executive Board met Aug. 27-28 to take up an agenda dealing with such issues as AVMA membership requirements, livestock traceability and…
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…
JAVMA news
Study details problems at wholesaler of exotic pets
A new study details problems in the wholesale industry.
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…
AVMA news
Board revises AVMA policies on horse tripping, opioids, public health
The AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) updated and adopted several policies during its April 4-5 meeting at AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois. The…
JAVMA news
AVMA supports bills on horse trailers, research
The AVMA will push Congress to pass legislation that would forbid transporting horses across state lines in double-deck trailers.
policy
Disbudding and dehorning of sheep and goats
Disbudding and dehorning sheep and goats causes pain and distress. See AVMA’s guidelines for when and by whom these procedures should be carried out.
JAVMA news
Wildlife policies stress education, captivity requirements
In June, the AVMA began more strongly encouraging education for those who would privately own potentially dangerous wildlife as well as endorsing…
policy
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.
JAVMA news
Katrina: stories from the storm
A decade has passed since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005, breaking levees and flooding much of the area.