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
Animal welfare assessment contest goes virtual
Nearly 180 individuals representing 32 universities and seven countries participated in the 20th annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, hosted…
AVMA news
Winners of AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest announced
More than 250 students and veterinarians from around the world competed in the 21st annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, held virtually in…
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
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
Withdrawal of FDA approval for animal drug products
Loss of an animal drug product can have adverse effects on animal health, animal welfare and food safety.
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
Animal shelters, control officers aim to be more community-centric
Companion animal welfare and shelter leaders discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion; the eviction crisis; and implementing changes to how animal…
policy
Approval and availability of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals
The availability and effectiveness of antimicrobials, including medically important antimicrobials, are important to support the health and welfare of…
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