Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee advises on issues related to animal welfare, guided by the overarching AVMA Animal Welfare Principles.
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…
JAVMA news
Animal welfare recognized as veterinary specialty
The recent AVMA Executive Board vote granting the American College of Animal Welfare provisional recognition clears the way for prospective members to…
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.
JAVMA news
Changes for Animal Welfare Symposium
The timing and topic of the AVMA Animal Welfare Symposium initially planned for 2012 have changed.
policy
USDA/APHIS animal welfare program
The AVMA supports enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act to protect animals used for nonagricultural research, testing, teaching, or exhibition.
JAVMA news
Competition tests students’ animal welfare knowledge
The 12th annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging/Assessment Contest was held Nov. 17-18, 2012, at the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal…
JAVMA news
AVMA joins Scientists Center for Animal Welfare
The Executive Board has approved AVMA membership in the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, a not-for-profit association
JAVMA news
Work on model animal welfare curriculum under way
Nearly a dozen veterinarians, animal scientists, and educators from around the world convened at AVMA headquarters June 22-24 to begin work on a model…
policy
Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the roles of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare
The AVMA, FVE, and CVMA recognize that sentient animals are capable of experiencing positive physical and emotional states (or feelings), including…
JAVMA news
AVMA solicits member comments on welfare policies
The AVMA is soliciting comments from members on nine animal welfare policies under review by the Animal Welfare Committee, which
JAVMA news
Olson to lead new AHA welfare initiative
In February the American Humane Association announced that Dr. Patricia N. Olson had been named chief veterinary adviser for the AHA and head of the…
JAVMA news
Measuring and applying welfare
Dr. Sarah Probst Miller teaches farm employees how to improve their interactions with pigs, and says that her teaching philosophy is guided by the…
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.
policy
UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
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…
JAVMA news
Shelter vets aim to raise level of care for millions of animals
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians in December unveiled standards designed to enhance the health and welfare of millions of animals housed at…
JAVMA news
Deep federal spending cuts to animal programs avoided, for now
President Obama signed a $182 billion appropriations package Nov. 18 that provides for animal health and welfare programs,
JAVMA news
Expert panel to address radiologic impact on animals near Japan nuclear plant
The International Fund for Animal Welfare in April announced a team of radiation and animal rescue experts had been assembled to develop a
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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…
policy
Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.
policy
Use of animals in research, testing, and education
Use of animals in research, testing and education is a privilege that carries unique professional, scientific and moral obligations, and ethical…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Competition or coexistence?
In the world of companion animal medicine, many private practitioners are worrying about competition from animal welfare organizations