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…
blog
Important animal welfare bill approved by Congress
Following years of advocacy by the AVMA, lawmakers and animal welfare advocates, the U.S. House and Senate have unanimously approved landmark animal…
JAVMA news
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos
Welfare of animals integral part of professional rodeos Rodeos are an opportunity for cowboys to showcase their…
JAVMA news
Animal welfare, health policies updated
Animals used in pre-college education should not be subjected to uses that cause any pain, an updated AVMA policy states.
JAVMA news
OIE tracks COVID-19 threats to animal welfare
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is examining how misunderstandings surrounding COVID-19 may have compromised animal welfare during the…
AVMA news
USDA finalizes standards to include birds under Animal Welfare Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is establishing welfare standards for birds, which were previously…
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
Welfare guidelines released for working equids
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has adopted the first set of global standards for ensuring the welfare of working equids.
Advocating for horse welfare
The AVMA advocates on a variety of horse welfare issues. Learn about our top priorities and find out how you can help protect horses.
JAVMA news
APHIS to define animal pain, distress
The USDA-APHIS is considering several changes to the Animal Welfare regulations to promote the humane treatment of live animals
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…
JAVMA news
Raising contented cattle makes welfare, production sense
Raising contented cattle makes welfare, production sense "Milking the Golden Cow-Her Comfort" was…
JAVMA news
Horse tripping a new welfare concern
The AVMA has come out against the practice of horse tripping, which involves roping the front or hind legs of a galloping horse while on foot or…
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
The responsibility to laboratory animals
posted on December 1, 2001 A V M A A N I M A L W E L F A R E F O R U M The responsibility to laboratory animals Picture a rat…
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?
JAVMA news
Lawmakers tackle animal hoarding
Lawmakers tackle animal hoarding States look to new laws to address animal hoarders When more than 562…
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
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 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…
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…