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
Contest puts students’ animal welfare knowledge to the test
A survey of participants in the AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest shows the event increases their aptitude for animal welfare and helps them hone…
blog
20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest announces winners
The 20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest gave undergraduates, graduate students, veterinary students, AVMA member veterinarians, and members…
JAVMA news
USDA adds welfare provisions for dealers, exhibitors, researchers
In May, the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a series of pending rules that include requirements for…
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…
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UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
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,…
JAVMA news
HOD adopts policies on cribbing, microchipping animals
In January, the AVMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt a new policy on humanely managing horse cribbing and a revised policy concerning…
JAVMA news
Animal shelters see a new day ahead
Animal shelters may never be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic. One shelter veterinarian wants communities to see animal shelters as a source of…
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COVID-19: Resources for shelters, food animal veterinarians
Two new AVMA resources provide practical guidance for animal shelter personnel and food animal veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Congratulate these AVMA award winners
Three accomplished veterinary and animal science professionals have been chosen to receive AVMA Excellence Awards for their support of the…
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
JAVMA news
Pet relocation guidelines reflect lessons learned
The AVMA and Association of Shelter Veterinarians in March released best practices for relocation of shelter animals programs to prevent the spread of…
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
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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…
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Safety testing
The AVMA supports research to discover and develop safe and efficacious drugs, vaccines, biologicals, and medical devices that benefit animals and…
Relocating pets for adoption
Relocation is when homeless dogs and cats are moved to an area where there is a greater demand for adoptable pets. Relocation can save lives, but it…
policy
Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
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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
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…
policy
UNDER REVIEWPregnant sow housing
Pregnant sows are kept in a variety of housing systems. View the AVMA's recommendations for sow housing and management systems.
blog
AVMA updates euthanasia guidance for the profession
The AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals have been updated to reflect important research advances, including new techniques and equipment.