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…
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…
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
Penn Vet offers certificate in animal welfare
The program launched last October. It combines self-directed online activities and in-person sessions to educate participants on animal welfare and…
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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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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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…
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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.