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
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support 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…
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
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…
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
UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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…
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
History from the eyes of the future
In celebration of the AVMA’s 150th anniversary and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation’s 50th, 10 veterinary students were awarded scholarships…
policy
Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
policy
Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
JAVMA news
International joint statements address horse slaughter, rabies in dogs
The AVMA has adopted a joint statement on horse slaughter with the Canadian and Mexican veterinary associations and a joint statement on rabies in…
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…
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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.
policy
Extralabel use of medicated feeds, including veterinary feed directive drugs, for minor species
The AVMA supports regulatory discretion in enforcing extralabel use of medicated feeds in minor species under veterinary oversight.
JAVMA news
Veterinary, equine community dispel accusations against the pregnant mare urine industry
The two sides of the pregnant mare urine debate, at face value, appear to be horse lovers versus a pharmaceutical company.
JAVMA news
Embattled National Zoo director calls it quits after critical report
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association seemed to soften the blow of the NAS report by reaccrediting the National Zoo for five-years.
blog
One Health, wildlife see wins in federal funding
The spending package approved to fund the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2021 provides major wins for veterinarians.
JAVMA news
Mexican horse meat banned by EU
The European Union has banned the sale of horse meat processed in Mexico out of fear it may not meet food safety standards.
AVMA news
AVMA House of Delegates approves eight resolutions
The AVMA House of Delegates approved eight resolutions on Jan. 7 during its regular winter session, held in conjunction with the AVMA Veterinary…