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
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.
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…
JAVMA news
Competition or coexistence?
In the world of companion animal medicine, many private practitioners are worrying about competition from animal welfare organizations
JAVMA news
Ohio restricting wild animal ownership
Starting in September, most Ohio residents will be unable to collect or sell wild animals that the state deems to be dangerous.
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
Pet Care Trust encourages expanded interest in companion animal species
The Pet Care Trust Foundation promotes public understanding regarding the value of and right to enjoy companion animals.
JAVMA news
Board sends HOD a policy on responsible pet breeding
This January, the AVMA House of Delegates will consider adopting an animal welfare policy stating the AVMA’s opposition to the breeding of dogs, cats,…
JAVMA news
USDA to close inspection loophole
Large-scale breeders who sell animals over the Internet may soon be subject to federal animal welfare standards.
JAVMA news
Building bridges in Michigan
The Michigan VMA hopes to improve relations between private practitioners and animal welfare organizations in the state.
policy
Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
JAVMA news
Evolving relations in Colorado
The Colorado VMA recently created a task force to foster collaboration between private practitioners and animal welfare organizations.
JAVMA news
Task force in Texas
The Texas VMA has created a task force to determine whether nonprofit animal welfare organizations in the state are providing veterinary services…
policy
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…
policy
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
JAVMA news
AAEP looking for evidence-based solutions
The American Association of Equine Practitioners may not have all the answers, but its members have been attempting to learn more about the issues…
policy
Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
policy
Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
JAVMA news
AVMA considers revising policy on free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA House of Delegates will consider a resolution to revise the AVMA policy “Free-roaming, Owned Cats” during its regular annual session, Aug.…
policy
Safe non-commercial transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
Socialization of dogs and cats
Socialization prepares dogs and cats to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.
JAVMA news
Nominations open for Excellence in Veterinary Medicine Awards
The AVMA is accepting nominations for the following Excellence in Veterinary Medicine Awards.
policy
Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
Gonadectomy resources for veterinarians
Conversations are ongoing among veterinarians about when and whether to sterilize pets, and how to balance societal interests with the benefits and…