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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…
policy
Inherited disorders in responsible breeding of companion animals
The AVMA encourages careful consideration of the health and welfare implications of breed standards, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities…
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…
AVMA news
Welfare concerns for wild birds, from confiscation to relinquishment
Drs. Patricia J. Latas and Anthony A. Pilny presented sessions on July 15 at AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver about the consequences of wildlife…
JAVMA news
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support animal?
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…
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
AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the euthanasia of animals provide veterinarians guidance in relieving pain and suffering of animals that are to be euthanized.
JAVMA news
Counting animals in shelters and sharing data
The National Database Project as a platform for the collection and reporting of animal shelter data.
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…
policy
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.
JAVMA news
AVMF awards $125,000 in support of animal health, human-animal bond research
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation has awarded three research grants totaling $125,000
Responding to suspected cases of animal cruelty
As veterinary professionals, it is our responsibility to act if we suspect a case of animal abuse or cruelty. These resources will help you and your…
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,…
Service, emotional support, and therapy animals
Understanding the varied roles of service, emotional support, and therapy animals helps veterinary teams provide care and advice consistent with each…
JAVMA news
Social workers turn attention to animal hoarders
Dealing with animal hoarding should be about helping the hoarders as well as the animals, according to social workers who consult on such cases.
JAVMA news
AVMA to deliberate on assistance animals, stem cells
Service, emotional support, and therapy animals provide therapeutic interventions and assist individuals with disabilities but the growing number of…
JAVMA news
AVMA endorses guidance for vets suspecting animal abuse
The AVMA has endorsed a document created jointly by the AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond and the American Humane Association for veterinarians…
blog
DOT issues final rule on air travel with service animals
Strong veterinary influence is apparent in the new rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation related to transporting service and emotional…
AVMA news
Happy the elephant is latest test case for animal rights group
New York state’s appellate court recently heard oral arguments over whether a 48-year-old elephant is similar enough to a human to be considered…
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…
JAVMA news
Natural bovine behavior key to evaluating management practices
Human-animal interaction is one of the largest components of appropriate animal welfare. More than anything, the natural behaviors of animals
JAVMA news
Euthanatized animals can poison wildlife: Veterinarians receive fines
In 1999, a veterinarian and a rancher in Colorado were dismayed to find that they had accidentally killed five golden eagles and two bald eagles.
JAVMA news
Obituary: Bernie Rollin, ethicist who wanted a better world for animals, dies at 78
Bernie Rollin, PhD, was a weightlifting philosophy professor fond of motorcycles and horseback riding who was considered by many as the father of…